During telehealth visits you can model the important developmental concept of following a child’s lead. Children learn most when they are engaged in their play, supported in their explorations and have the opportunity to make choices. Since young children between 12-24 months will often not sit still in a visit, you can encourage them to play and explore while you watch.

Suggest that parents set up the camera so that you can see the child moving around and talk to the child about what they are touching or playing with. Help to expand language by using new words to describe objects, asking questions and being an attentive participant in the child’s play. In addition to modeling this behavior, you can explain the importance of following a child’s lead in promoting their child’s autonomy and academic knowledge in the future.