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Playing ball is one of the first games in which your child is a reciprocal participant.

Description:
Playing catch is one of the first games in which your baby is an active, reciprocal participant. But along with the joy of playing, your child also experiences an emotional dilemma. The game requires your child to give up his or her special ball. He or she thinks, "Will I get my ball back"? By rolling or throwing the ball back, you are saying, "Yes! You can trust me."

Step by Step:

1. Sit facing your baby, in a straddle position if possible.
2. Roll a ball back and forth between the two of you.
3. Count out loud as you roll the ball back and forth.
4. Try using balls of various sizes and textures. For little ones, be sure to use a big ball that they can easily handle. Graduate to smaller balls.
5. Talk through the motions: "Mommy is rolling the ball to (child's name). Roll the ball back to Mommy."

Materials:
A ball

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