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Social & Emotional Development
Developing Self-Awareness
WiseTip: SE-AWA-M1626-P01A

Play naming games when looking at photos with your child. For example, ask your child, “Who’s this?" as you both look at the pictures.

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  1. Lally, J. R., & Mangione, P. (2006). The uniqueness of infancy demands a responsive approach to care. Young Children, 61(4), 14–20.

16-26 months
Play
WHY IT MATTERS

Studies have shown that children's ability to be self-aware and understand that others have internal mental states that guide behaviour (according to the

Theory of Mind

Children’s Theory of Mind - As children think more about themselves and others, they form the Theory of Mind – the psychological knowledge of self and understanding other people’s perceptions, feelings, desires, and beliefs.1

1. Berk, L. E. (2013). Child development (9th ed.). New Jersey, USA: Pearson Education.

) also impacts the development of their
executive function

Executive Function - The set of cognitive operations and strategies necessary for self-initiated, purposeful behaviour in relatively novel, challenging situations. These include controlling attention, suppressing impulses in favour of adaptive responses, coordinating information in working memory, and planning, organising, monitoring, and flexibility redirecting thought and behaviour.1

1. Berk, L. E. (2013). Child development (9th ed.). New Jersey, USA: Pearson Education.

abilities, such as the ability to plan, self-regulate and focus attention and consciously control one's thoughts and actions.
1, 2

  1. Wellman, H., Cross, D. & Watson, J. (2001). Meta-Analysis of Theory of Mind Development: The Truth about False Belief. Child Development. 72. 655 - 684.

  2. Carlson, S. M., Moses, L. J., & Breton, C. (2002). How specific is the relation between executive function and theory of mind? Contributions of inhibitory control and working memory. Infant and Child Development, 11, 73–92.

Helping toddlers name and identify people in photos helps them to realise that people have identities apart from themselves.