You may have often wondered why the game ‘peek-a-boo’ is so common to play with babies. It actually leads to the learning of an important concept in children’s development, i.e., object permanence. Object permanence was coined by educational psychologist Jean Piaget who studied how children learn and think, and has since become an early childhood development concept.

What is object permanence?

When infants develop an understanding that things still exist even when not in sight, then they have developed object permanence and have reached an important cognitive milestone. This marks a critical point in their development when they understand that people and things continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard or touched. For example, a baby may think a toy has disappeared forever when thrown out of the cot, whilst an older infant may look for the toy because they know that it still exists.

Why does it matter?

Object permanence is a key step in developing memory and language and reducing separation anxiety. Once an infant has mastered object permanence they develop an understanding that when an adult leaves, that they will return because they still exist. This maturity helps in alleviating separation anxiety e.g., when dropped off at creche. They can understand that what they perceived as abandonement is actually a temporary abscence and that their loved one will return. Object permanence replaces fear with knowledge; builds trust; and shifts panic into expectation.

When does it develop?

Object permanence starts to develop around 4-8 months and becomes stronger around 8-12 months.

What can ECD Practitioners and parents/caregivers do?

  • Play peek-a-boo games
  • Play hiding and finding objects
  • Play partial hiding of objects
  • Play simple treasure hunts
  • Read pop-up books
  • Play posting games
  • Play hide-and-seek
  • Narrate what is happening- ‘where did it go?,  where are you?, what is hidden under here?, there it is!’
  • Remember to have short, fun play sessions
  • Simplify the game should they get frustrated

DISCLAIMER: Please note that milestones are a guide, not a rule and that children may reach them at different times.