Parenting Tips: Children always want to see their parents around them. Children feel that if you are not there, you will never be able to meet them. They gradually realize that even if a person no longer exists, he or she will come back to them. This is a normal aspect of children’s mental development, also known as object permanence. This is the ability in which infants begin to understand that things and people exist even if they are not in front of them. This development is important because it is the first step toward socialization and the development of other forms of reasoning such as imaginative play, memory, and language. Object permanence requires that children have a mental image of a person or thing.
properties of object stability
Object permanence does not develop suddenly. Although every child’s development is different, there are certain milestones, called developmental milestones, that parents should not ignore. Actually, children develop in four stages. From four to eight months babies try to reach partially hidden objects, which marks the beginning of the development of memory and curiosity.
Object permanence is fully developed when babies are 12 months and older. Children begin to understand complex ideas like cause and effect. Object permanence provides safety and stability to children. When a child begins to understand that his parents are still there even after they are gone, he becomes less worried about them. This understanding makes children feel emotionally safe because they trust that their caregiver will return. When a child realizes that his parents and caregivers are permanent.
seek expert help
It is important for parents to know if there is a slight delay in developmental milestones or developmental stages. Some common signs include disinterest in playing hide and seek, an intense reaction when a favorite toy or person is unavailable. When the development of object permanence is delayed, their emotional development slows, and they face challenges in areas such as memory and problem solving. If you notice persistent signs of delay up to 12 months of age, consult a pediatrician.
do it
Play the peekaboo game, which teaches that even if the face is hidden, you are still there.
Hide their favorite toys or objects in a transparent container and encourage the child to find them. This makes children realize that the matter is hidden somewhere and in reality too.
Use baby books that have flaps or hidden objects, this helps babies learn about unseen objects.
Provide an encouraging environment around children. Provide age-appropriate toys and encourage curiosity.
Do not put pressure on children. Create a safe environment at home where he can play freely.