Exploring Your Face
Here's What To Do
1
Help me be curious about how you and I are two separate people! When I was first born, I thought that I was part of you. Now, I will use touch to learn more about you.
2
Encourage me to explore your face during a quiet time together.
- Let me feel your nose, touch your glasses, rub your beard, poke your mouth, or feel your hair.
- Wiggle your nose, raise your eyebrows up and down, open and close your eyes, stick out your tongue.
3
Compare your face to mine when I touch to explore it.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Sit me on your lap so I can easily touch your face.
E
Engage:
- "Oh yes, that's my nose! You have a nose too, this is your nose."
- "Do you see my wiggly eyebrows? Wiggle wiggle wiggle."
E
Encourage:
- Remember that I don't understand how to be gentle yet, and I don't know that pulling hair hurts. Try tickling my hand or wrist to get me to release my grasp.
- Throughout the day, notice when I'm looking very intently at your face or reach towards it, and help me touch and explore.
R
Reflect:
- Which facial features do I seem most curious about?
Not quite ready?
Make silly facial expressions at me. Don't worry if I don't try to touch your face.
Ready for more?
Help me explore a new place, with you right beside me for reassurance.
As your child masters this skill...
They will touch people and objects to learn more about them.