This is a "parent" shape sorter. While parents should be constantly involved with their children, the child should be able to operate a toy on their own. The problem with this shape sorter is that the child has too many pieces at the age it's designed for. Give your child too many pieces and they will get frustrated. Give them only the circle and they will find the spot and it goes in like "magic"! No other piece is a starter piece for a child of 6 months. The ball is IMPOSSIBLE for a child to open on their own until they are past the age where this toy is developmentally appropriate. By the time they can open it, they should be on to much more advanced educational toys.