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How to Work on Pointing Gesture with Your Child at Home
Pointing develops around 9–14 months. Encourage it at home by placing favourite items just out of reach, modelling pointing with joy, using point-and-name books, offering two-handed choices, and always responding warmly when your child gestures.
In this answer 5 sections
A tiny finger reaching out to share "look at that!" is one of the biggest milestones in your child's communication journey — and you can nurture it right at home.
In short
Pointing usually develops between 9 and 14 months, first to ask for things, then to share interest. You can encourage it at home by placing favourite toys just out of reach, modelling pointing yourself, and warmly responding every time your child gestures. Make it playful, repeat often, and follow your child's lead — these everyday moments build the foundation for words.
Activities you can try at home
Put it just out of reach. Place a loved toy or snack on a shelf or across the table — close enough to want, far enough to need help. Pause, look expectantly, and the moment your child reaches, leans or points, respond instantly: "You want the ball! Here it is."
Model pointing everywhere. Point at pictures in books, at birds, buses, the moon, the dog. Say "Look!" with bright eyes. Children learn the gesture by seeing it used with joy, not by being told to do it.
Point-and-name books. Sit close, point to one picture per page, name it, and pause. Gently guide your child's hand to point too, then celebrate — "Yes, that's a cat!"
Choices with two hands. Hold up two snacks or two toys, one in each hand, spaced apart. Ask "This one or this one?" Reaching or pointing to choose is real communication — honour it immediately.
Follow their point. When your child points, always look where they're pointing and respond. This teaches that pointing works — that it makes you notice and reply. That is the heart of social communication.
When to check in
Pointing to share interest (not just to request) by around 14–16 months is an important milestone. If your child is not pointing, showing, or following your point by 16–18 months, it's worth a friendly developmental check — not as a worry, but to make sure the building blocks for language are all in place. Trust your instinct; early support is always gentle and empowering.
The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under the care of a qualified clinician — never from an online tip alone. Our team can show you how pointing and early gestures fit your child's wider communication picture, and our speech therapy programmes turn these home games into lasting skills. With 4.95 lakh+ families served across 70+ centres, we'll meet you exactly where your child is today.
Trusted sources
Guided by CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestone guidance, the American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren resources on early communication, and ASHA's guidance on emerging gestures and language.
Next step — try one pointing game today, and book a free developmental conversation with a Pinnacle therapist on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181 to see how your child is blossoming.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
CONNECT THE ANSWER TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY
Something to notice. Something to discuss.
What to notice
If your child isn't pointing, showing, or following your point by 16–18 months, arrange a friendly developmental check — early support is gentle and effective.
In everyday life
Place a favourite toy just out of reach, pause, and look expectantly — the moment your child reaches or points, respond instantly and name it warmly.
Bring your observations and questions to your child’s professional. Choose activities that suit your child’s comfort, abilities and agreed plan.
Bring your questions to a first visitQuestions families ask
At what age should my child start pointing?
Most children begin pointing between 9 and 14 months — first to ask for things, then to share interest. Pointing to share by around 14–16 months is an important communication milestone.
My child reaches but doesn't point — is that okay?
Reaching is a wonderful early step on the way to pointing. Keep responding to it warmly, and keep modelling pointing yourself. If pointing hasn't emerged by 16–18 months, a friendly developmental check is worthwhile.
How often should we practise these activities?
Little and often works best — weave pointing games into everyday moments like reading, snack time and walks. Short, joyful, repeated practice beats long sessions.
Should I physically move my child's hand to point?
Gentle hand-guiding during a fun book or game can help at first, but the goal is for pointing to feel like your child's own idea. Always pair it with warm naming and celebrate any attempt.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
References behind this answer.
- Source referenceCDC — Learn the Signs. Act Early. milestones
- Organisation website · further readingAAP HealthyChildren — early communication
- Organisation website · further readingASHA — gestures and early language
References are supplied with this answer. An organisation homepage offers further reading; it does not establish an independent review of this page.
Content attribution: SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network.
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