Mirror play together
0–6 monthsEmotional WellbeingMaterials: Mirror
Sit with your child in front of a mirror where you can both see your reflections. Point to your child's face and say their name. Point to your own face and say your name. Make faces together and watch the reflections. Smile, stick out your tongue gently, or open your mouth wide. This helps your child recognize faces and understand the connection between people.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Sit with your child in front of a mirror where you can both see your reflections. Point to your child's face and say their name. Point to your own face and say your name. Make faces together and watch the reflections. Smile, stick out your tongue gently, or open your mouth wide. This helps your child recognize faces and understand the connection between people.
Why It Works
Face recognition is a critical early social skill. Childhood behaviors emphasizing friendship-building and social interaction strongly predict adult social health, and children with stronger social connections show better emotional regulation (Dunn & Cutting, 1999). Mirror play supports face recognition skills that form the basis of all social connection.
Tips for Parents
Your child may not understand it's their reflection yet, but they're learning to recognize faces and expressions.
Keep sessions short, around 2-3 minutes, to match your child's attention span.
Materials Needed
Mirror
Learning Methods
Responsive InteractionRepetition and Routine
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