Recognises themselves in a mirror

Your toddler has probably been interested in their reflection for some time now they are developing their sense of themselves and will realise that the reflection in the mirror is them.  

It’s me!  

Researchers have tested toddlers’ understanding of their reflection by letting them look at themselves in a mirror, then putting a mark on them. If the toddler looks at the reflection and then touches the mark on their face it shows they understand that the reflection is them. [1] Your toddler recognising themselves in a mirror, or recognising their photograph is an important part of self-awareness and is knows as ‘visual self-recognition'. [2]  

Other skills your toddler is beginning to master also show their developing awareness of themselves. They might begin to use their name or point to themselves, showing they are beginning to think about themselves and the way they appear to others. Self-awareness is part of the journey towards self-regulation, understanding how you appear to others and developing self-confidence and self-image. [2] 

Your toddler will also demonstrate their growing self-awareness as they begin to show their preferences for what to wear or eat, where they want to go or what they want to do. Your toddler will gradually be able to think about themselves and reflect on what they like and can do. However, this self-reflection involves developing their understanding of themselves and developing their cognitive skills and will take some time.

What next? 

Your toddler will continue to develop their self-awareness and sense of self, they will begin to be more aware of how they appear to other people. Through play they will explore their experiences and begin to reflect on themselves and on other people, this will support them to explore other perspectives as they develop their social and emotional skills.  

References 

[1] Goswami, U.(2015) Children’s Cognitive Development and Learning. York: Cambridge Primary Review Trust. 

[2] Brownell, C.A., Zerwas, S. & Ramani, G.B. (2007) Child Development, 78(5), pp. 1426-1440.