Step 1: Notice the Serve

The first step involves recognizing when your child initiates a serve. Lamar explains that a serve can be a child's focus of attention, such as pointing, making sounds, facial expressions, or physical movements. It's crucial for parents to pay close attention to these cues.

Step 2: Return the Serve

Lamar emphasizes the importance of returning the serve to your child. This can take various forms, such as offering comfort, mimicking their actions, or responding with words and gestures. By returning the serve, parents encourage their child's efforts to communicate.

Step 3: Give It a Name

Naming the serve helps your child understand the world and develop language skills. Lamar suggests that parents should verbalize what their child is focused on, whether it's a toy, a feeling, or an action. This naming process aids in language development and understanding.

Step 4: Take Turns and Wait

Taking turns and waiting during the interaction is essential. Lamar recommends waiting for at least 10 seconds after returning a serve to give your child the opportunity to respond. This fosters patience, learning, and language development.

Step 5: Practice, and Then Some

Lamar advises parents to let their child signal when they're done with an interaction, rather than prematurely ending it. This approach encourages independence, problem-solving skills, and exploration as the child leads the way.

Conclusion:

Lamar concludes the episode by emphasizing the value of these five steps for brain development through serve and return interactions. He shares his own experiences as a new dad and highlights the positive impact it has had on his child's development.