Work Together by Playing a Helping Game

Scatter blocks around your child’s room.

Ask him to put all of the items in the basket as quickly as he can and time him to see how long it takes.

Scatter the blocks around the room again.

Offer to help your child collect the blocks and time how long the activity takes when you do it together. Did it take longer with or without your help? How did it feel to have some help?

Find a third person and do the activity again. Could you finish it even fast this time?

Talk to your child about the benefits of helping others. Ask him if he remembers a time when he helped someone. Who did he help and how did it make him feel? Together, think of a way that he can help a member of the family or a friend. Now that your child understands how great it can be to have someone help him, find ways that he can help others. He could help his neighbor plant a garden, help someone feel better by making them a card, or help a friend clean up his toys. After he has helped someone, ask him to tell you about it and draw a picture about the experience.