Teddy Needs Help
Here's What To Do
Use your child’s dolls, stuffed animals or action toys to play a pretend game about sad feelings.
Pretend that your child’s doll or stuffed animal is upset, and ask them what they might do.
Pause and see what your child says. Acknowledge their ideas and remind them that when they’re upset, they can call for a grown up to listen.
Together, pretend different kinds of ways that the stuffed animal might ask for help, and what a grown up might say to acknowledge their feelings and help them feel better.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Turn off all distractions, and settle in with your child’s doll, stuffed animal or favorite action player ready to play pretend.
Engage:
- “I wonder why teddy is so upset. What do you think we can do to help?”
- “Yes, listening is such a good idea. How do you think teddy feels now?”
Encourage:
- "I’m glad you asked for help! Grown-ups are always here to listen."
- "It’s okay to feel sad sometimes. You can always come to me, and I will help you!"
Reflect:
- "How do you feel after asking for help?"
Not quite ready?
Start by showing how you ask for help first, then encourage your child to copy you.
Ready for more?
Practice asking for help in different situations, like getting a toy that’s out of reach or fixing a puzzle piece.
As your child masters this skill...
they will feel safer and more confident asking for help when they need it.