Meeting Someone New, Together

Supports this milestone

• uses expectations learned through repeated experiences in primary relationships to develop relationships with other adults. — Head Start ELOF

Explore milestones →

Materials

• A favorite book or familiar toy

Steps

• Hold or sit beside the child so they feel your steady presence.
• Let the visitor settle nearby and do something inviting, such as opening a book.
• Narrate calmly, for example "this is Grandpa, he likes books too."
• Wait for the child to look to you; offer a reassuring smile and nod.
• Let the child approach the visitor at their own pace — never force contact.

Variations

• Have the visitor roll a ball or stack blocks to invite low-pressure play.
• Share a photo of the visitor before they arrive so the face is familiar.

Differentiation

• For very cautious children, keep the first meeting brief and from a distance.
• For eager children, suggest a simple shared activity to deepen the interaction.

Accessibility

• Allow extra warm-up time; respect a child's "no" and try again later.
• Keep introductions in a quiet space for children sensitive to noise or crowds.

Safety

• Keep the child within reach and stop if they become distressed.

Practices these skills

• Warms Up to New Adults

Evidence

• Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs (4th ed.) — National Association for the Education of Young Children · 2022 · National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)