Five to Thrive
Respond – Cuddle – Relax – Play - Talk
Do these five things each time you interact with your child from the time they are born and you will help to grow a healthy, strong and confident child.
You can also come along and see Five to Thrive come alive at your local Family Hub. Call 0161 788 0385 to find out more.
To find out more about more about each of the Five to Thrive expand the boxes below.
Respond
My brain grows better when you respond to me.
My brain works very slowly at first. But when you respond to me in the same way over and over again the connections you are helping to build grow strong. Then they can carry messages between the different parts of my brain more quickly.
Key milestones
- I can use noises, words, pointing or touch to start a conversation with you
- I need help from a grown up that I know when I am playing with children or visiting a new place for the first time.
- I know that when I make different noises and sounds with my voice you will help me or play with me.
- I can use pointing or looking to tell you what I want or need.
Respond activities
See more on our 0 to 12 months activities page.
Cuddle
My brain grows better when you cuddle me.
Before I was born I was more aware of touch than of any other sense, and I was safely held in a small space. Now I can move freely, but I still feel most safe when I am in contact with a grown up who loves me.
Key milestones
- I will go to a grown up that I know when I am feeling excited, happy, tired or cross.
- I will let a grown up that I know wash me, change my nappy or get me dressed.
Cuddle activities
See more on our 0 to 12 months activities page.
Relax
My brain grows better when you relax with me.
I know that having a baby is stressful. But if you can find ways to relax when you are with me, you can make a big difference to the way my brain works.
Key milestones
- I like to move my head, body, arms and legs when I hear music.
- I will watch as you point to things or hold them out to me.
- I am beginning to understand words that are important to me like 'cup' or 'teddy' by pointing or finding the thing.
Relax activities
See more on our 0 to 12 months activities page.
Play
My brain grows better when you play with me.
When you play counting games, or singing games or action games, my brain builds connections that help me to make sense of the world around me and to have fun.
As I get older, playing with me and helping me to play on my own or with other children builds connections in my brain that make it possible for me to think and plan, to make sense of the world around me and to develop social skills.
Key milestones
- I like to find my nose, eyes or tummy when you play games or sing songs like 'Round and round the garden'.
- I can sit up on the floor.
- When I am sitting, I can lean forward to pick up a small toy with my hand.
- I can hold a chunky pen or crayon in my whole hand or in a fist grasp and explore the marks I can make.
Play activities
See more on our 0 to 12 months activities page.
Talk
My brain grows better when you talk to me.
When you talk to me I copy you. At first I can only make a few sounds, but the more you talk to me the more I can make sounds into words. I need you to tell me everything right from the start. I know nothing, so everything I learn in my life will be built on what you are teaching me now. Involve me in life by telling me about it.
Key milestones
- I can make sounds that match what I am playing with, like 'brmmm' for a car.
- I will copy new sounds and words that I hear you using as you play with me.
- When a grown up that I know asks me “Where’s mummy?” or “Where’s your nose?” I can point or find the thing.
Talk activities
See more on our 0 to 12 months activities page.
Early years and preparation for school
Elsewhere on our site
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