Your Child Will Learn
That people still exist even when they’re not visible, and that playing games is fun.
Here’s What to Do
- Play quick games of “peek-a-boo” throughout our daily routines. Some ideas:
- When my head reappears from under my shirt during dressing or undressing
- Playfully cover and uncover my face with my bib while I’m eating
- When I’m looking in a mirror, cover my reflection
- Play peek-a-boo with my stuffed animals or dolls
- Put a scarf over your head when I’m watching. See if I try to pull it off to find you.
- Let me play peek-a-boo! Drape a small soft washcloth over my face. Talk to me so I know you are still there, but pretend you do not know where I am. Encourage me to remove the cloth.
- As I play this game more and more, I may begin to participate by covering my own face or removing a cover.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Place your child’s hands over their eyes. Remove them playfully and say “Peek-a-boo!”
ENGAGE
- Put a scarf over your head and say: “Where’s Mama? Can you find me? Peek-a-boo, you found me!””
- Put a small washcloth over my eyes and say: “Where’s Sofia? I lost my Sophia, where is she? Can Sophia take the cloth off? Oh! There she is, peek-a-boo!”
ENCOURAGE
- If I seem frightened when you are hiding, talk to me to assure me you’re still there.
- If I seem scared while I am hiding, take the cloth off and greet me with a smile and a “Here I am!”
REFLECT
- Am I having fun playing this game? Or does it seem to make me nervous?
Not Quite Ready
Play “Where Is It?” with me. While I’m looking, hide objects under a cover and then bring them out again.
Ready for More
Try other turn-taking games. Roll a ball to me, and see if I try to return it. Bounce me on your knee (playing “horsie”) and see if I ask to do it again.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will enjoy peek-a-boo and not be upset that a person has temporarily disappeared.
Time to Complete
10-15 minutes
Materials Needed
Small washcloth, scarf or blanket