Your child will enjoy repeating an activity to get a reaction. They might like the way an object reacts, like when blocks fall down or something makes noise. They might like the way you react, like when you act surprised or you give back an object so they can repeat their action.

Dropping or throwing objects onto the floor is a common routine that children learn to initiate. Knocking things down to see them tumble or to hear the noise is another routine your child would enjoy.

Today's activity: Be aware of the routines you want to encourage or discourage. Monitor how your reaction can continue an activity. Strong emotions or giving back an exciting object will encourage the routine to continue. Removing an object or acting like you don’t notice the action will discourage the routine from continuing.

Use these charts as a checklist for your child's progress.

Visit www.TheInteractionCoach.com to see the directory of speech-language pathologists licensed in your area. If you can’t find one in the directory, contact me at [email protected] and I’ll track down someone for you.