Family and People

Part of Parent Guide. Talk about people who genuinely matter to her; do not assume visits, calls, grandparents, or a particular household arrangement. Photos can invite stories and different points of view, not only “Who’s this?”

A photograph prompts a correction

Parent: “I think this is from our day at the park.” Child: “No, the garden! The dog was there.” Parent: “You’re right—I mixed them up. What do you remember about the dog?” Child: “He took the ball.” Parent: “He ran off with it. I remember trying to get it back.”

If the child doesn’t remember, tell a short true story rather than treating the picture as a memory test. Use “I think” when you are unsure about an event yourself.

Someone’s plans change

Child: “Are they coming today?” Parent: “I haven’t heard yet. Were you hoping to see them?” Child: “I want to show my picture.” Parent: “You want them to see what you made. We can keep it safe until we know.”

Only use an arrival or visit if one is actually planned. Don’t promise a person will come to make the conversation end happily. Everyday greetings can be modeled without obliging a child to speak to a stranger.

Quick card: “I might have that wrong—what do you remember?” · “What would you like to tell them?” · “We don’t know yet.” Notice a story, correction, or wish to connect. Art and Crafts covers showing something she made; Feelings covers disappointment when plans change.