Serve and return [1] is one of the easiest and most important activities adults can do with babies and young children. It helps build strong connections in the developing brain that are needed for core life skills such as executive function and self-regulation [2]. And, it is crucial for building resilience [3], which helps children weather significant adversity in life.
Anyone can engage in serve and return with any child. It doesn’t require toys or technology–just a baby, toddler, or young child and an adult. You can do it together during everyday moments–like while you’re grocery shopping, riding the bus, or getting ready in the morning. See our parent/caregiver guide [4] (in English & Spanish) and new step-by-step video [5] to learn more.
Our goal is to make as many people aware of serve and return as possible!
Beginning on June 11, 2019, the Center on the Developing Child will:
- Share the concept and 5 steps of serve and return (featuring 1 step each week for 5 weeks)
- Encourage social media followers to post pictures & videos of themselves doing any (or all) of the five steps with a young child
The hashtag #ServeAndReturn will be reinforced throughout the five weeks, and the Center will seed conversations on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram with our own images & videos.
The Center’s Communications team will monitor use of the #ServeAndReturn hashtag and will retweet/share/repost great examples of people doing serve and return together. The “best” examples may also be featured in the Center’s monthly newsletter!
How to join the #ServeAndReturn fun:
- Like, share, retweet, repost, etc. the Center’s Facebook [6], Twitter [7], & Instagram [8] posts.
- Post your own videos and photos of adults doing serve and return with a baby or young child. (Important: Be sure to get permission from parents!)
- All posts should include:
- The #ServeAndReturn hashtag
- A tag for the Center on the Developing Child (see specific tags below)
- The text “We #ServeAndReturn, do you?” (if possible)
Thank you so much for spreading the word about #ServeAndReturn! If you have questions, please contact developingchild@harvard.edu [9].
Additional Info
Center on the Developing Child social media tags:
Twitter: @HarvardCenter [7]
Facebook: @CenterDevelopingChild [6]
Instagram: @DevelopingChildHarvard [8]