Babies have a lot to absorb—not just about the world around them but also about their own growing minds and bodies. Luckily, they aren’t fully aware of this complexity, which helps keep their little spirits light (lucky them!). Aside from learning how to express needs through words rather than crying, one significant aspect of their cognitive development is grasping the concept of object permanence.
If you’re unfamiliar with this term, you’ve likely witnessed it in action, especially during games of peek-a-boo. You might still have questions, so let’s break down what object permanence is, when it develops, and how you can support your child’s understanding.
What is Object Permanence?
In simple terms, object permanence is the awareness that things continue to exist even when they’re not visible. Babies must learn this concept, which is a crucial milestone in their cognitive development. For example, before they understand object permanence, a child might become upset when a toy or a parent’s face disappears, believing it is lost forever. However, once they see the object or person again, they learn that just because something is out of sight doesn’t mean it’s gone.
Object permanence is a key component of psychologist Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, particularly within the sensorimotor stage, which lasts from birth until about age two. Piaget suggested that babies perceive the world through their physical interactions, and understanding that objects exist even when not seen is vital for their cognitive growth. Essentially, babies are little egomaniacs (and it’s both amusing and true!). They initially struggle to comprehend that the world exists beyond their immediate experience. Developing a mental representation of an object after it’s removed helps them realize that it still exists.
What are Schemas?
According to Merriam-Webster, a schema is “a mental codification of experience that includes a particular organized way of perceiving cognitively and responding to a complex situation or set of stimuli.” In simpler terms, schemas are the mental images or representations your baby forms about various objects in their world, like a bottle for feeding.
When Does Object Permanence Develop?
Every child progresses at their own rate, but there is a general timeline for developing object permanence. Piaget theorized that this understanding typically begins around eight months. However, subsequent research suggests that it can happen as early as four to seven months. Additionally, babies start recognizing faces and objects around two to three months, laying the groundwork for this cognitive milestone. It’s important to note that this understanding doesn’t occur suddenly; it develops gradually over time.
Engaging in Object Permanence Games
To help your child learn about object permanence, you can play several fun games beyond just peek-a-boo. Here are a few engaging ideas:
- Outdoor Peek-A-Boo: When outside, hide behind an umbrella or wall and pop out to reassure your baby of your presence.
- Hide Toys: Hide their toys around the house, teaching your child that just because something isn’t where they left it doesn’t mean it’s gone.
- Cup Game: Place a ball under one of three cups, shuffle them around, and let your baby see what’s underneath each one.
- Toy in a Box: Place a toy in an opaque box, show it to your baby, and then demonstrate from an angle where they cannot see the toy.
What Object Permanence Looks Like in Children with ADHD
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) relate to object permanence differently. While they enjoy peek-a-boo and understand that objects exist out of sight, they may struggle to recall or seek out those objects when they aren’t visible. For instance, they might know a backpack exists but may not feel compelled to look for it when it’s misplaced. This relationship is best summed up with the saying, “out of sight, out of mind.”
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In summary, understanding object permanence is a critical aspect of your baby’s cognitive development. By engaging with them through playful activities, you can help them grasp this concept, setting the stage for further learning and exploration.