Finger play – a simple game for cosy times

What to do 

• Sit together and get cosy and comfortable.  
• Show your toddler your fingers, wiggle them all and say, “Look, my fingers are wiggling.” 
• Next, just wiggle one finger saying, “Just one finger is wiggling now.” 
• Think of some gentle actions your fingers can do, such as stroking, tapping, tickling or waving. 
• Tell your toddler that your fingers are going to stroke them. Use your fingers to stroke their arm, you might say, “I am using all my fingers to touch your arm, now I am going to use one finger.” 
• Repeat this with other actions. When your toddler becomes more familiar with the game and language, they might want to play the game and stroke you instead. 

Good to know 

A fairly firm touch might be more comfortable for your toddler, as gentle touches can be ticklish. 

Notice when your toddler is ready to finish, and help them to practise saying, “Stop now,” or “I don’t want you to stroke my arm.” Make sure you respond and stop right away to show your toddler that this is how people should listen to them (and each other).  

If your toddler isn’t keen on being touched, you could use one of their toys and take turns tickling or stroking this instead.