An Everyday Activity to Build Your Child's Perspective Taking

Sometimes the kindest thing we can teach a child is that other people see the world differently — and one game at the dinner table can begin it.

In short

A wonderful everyday activity for perspective taking is "What might they be feeling?" — pausing during stories, photos, or real moments to wonder aloud how someone else feels and why. For a 3–7 year old, this gently builds the idea that other people have their own thoughts, feelings, and views. Keep it warm, playful, and brief — five minutes is plenty.

Try this at home

The "I wonder how they feel" game:

• While reading a picture book, pause and ask: "Look at her face — how do you think she's feeling? What made her feel that way?"
• Use real moments too: "Your brother dropped his ice cream. How do you think he feels right now?"
• Model it yourself: "I feel a bit tired today, so I might be quiet — that's not because of you."
• Play "swap shoes": act out a small scene twice, taking turns being each character.

Accept every answer warmly — there are no wrong guesses. The goal is the wondering, not the correct emotion.

The science, simply

Perspective taking sits within social interaction skills (ICF domain d7) and grows steadily across the preschool and early-school years. Children build it through countless small, named experiences of other people's feelings and intentions. Wondering aloud gives the brain repeated, low-pressure practice at imagining another mind — the foundation for empathy, friendships, and cooperative play. Naming emotions in others, again and again, is one of the most evidence-aligned things a caregiver can do.

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 a home activity or an online score. If you'd like guidance tailored to your child, our therapists can help.

Learn more about perspective taking, explore how behavioural therapy supports social skills, and understand our AbilityScore®.

Trusted sources

Aligned with the WHO ICF framework for social interaction skills and with developmental guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren.org on building empathy and emotional understanding in young children.

Next step — try the "I wonder how they feel" game once a day this week, and message our team on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181 for a free developmental chat.

This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.