Audio Script for Practice
The Hardest Thing I Ask Parents to Do
Follow their lead.
Not sometimes. Not when it makes sense. Not when their lead goes somewhere useful.
Always. Even when they choose to spin wheels for 20 minutes. Even when they want to read the same book 47 times. Even when their lead goes nowhere you recognise as valuable.
Especially then.
Why Your Inner Teacher Will Hate This
You’ve been trained to teach. To guide. To add value. To make every moment a learning opportunity.
Your child needs you to trust that they’re already learning exactly what they need.
What Following Their Lead Actually Looks Like
They choose blocks. You don’t suggest a tower. They line up cars. You don’t make them race. They open and close books. You don’t insist on reading. They make sounds. You don’t correct to words. They move. You don’t make them sit still.
You wait. You watch. You wonder: “What are they figuring out?”
The Art of Interested Silence
Position yourself where they can see you’re available. Not hovering. Not teaching. Just… there. Interested.
Your presence says: “What you’re doing matters. You matter. I trust you.”
When They Test Your Following
They will. They’ll do something that seems pointless, destructive, or inappropriate. They’re asking: “Will you still follow me here?”
This is where most parents stop following. This is where connection deepens or breaks.
Follow them into the difficult places. That’s where they need you most.
Signs You’re Following Well
- They include you without being asked
- They check if you’re still watching
- They try new things
- They stay engaged longer
- They seem genuinely relaxed
Signs You’ve Stopped Following
- They ignore your presence
- They seem tense or rushed
- They guard their play
- They stop exploring
- The magic disappears
Your Practice This Week
Every day, for 10 minutes, let them lead completely.
Notice your urge to teach, fix, or improve their play. Thank that urge for caring. Then return to following.
This is the hardest skill you’ll learn. And the most powerful.