Mirror play together
6–12 monthsEmotional WellbeingMaterials: A mirror at child's level
Sit with your child in front of a mirror and point to each other's reflections. Wave at the mirror, make faces, and point to different features. Say simple words like "you" and "me" while touching the reflections. This helps your child understand themselves in relation to others.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Sit with your child in front of a mirror and point to each other's reflections. Wave at the mirror, make faces, and point to different features. Say simple words like "you" and "me" while touching the reflections. This helps your child understand themselves in relation to others.
Why It Works
Mirror play supports self-awareness and social recognition, both critical for developing social connections. Recognizing familiar faces is a key capability at this age that supports relationship building. Children who build strong relationships in early childhood demonstrate greater emotional intelligence throughout life (Harvard Center on the Developing Child, 2016).
Tips for Parents
Start by pointing to your own reflection and then your child's. Say their name when you point to them.
Make exaggerated facial expressions like big smiles or surprised looks. This helps your child notice and connect emotions to faces.
Touch your child's nose, then touch the nose in the mirror. This builds awareness of self and other.
Materials Needed
A mirror at child's level
Learning Methods
Responsive InteractionRepetition and Routine
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