![]() ![]() The process of differentiation continues in this next phase, which is characterized by baby's newfound abilities to physically put distance between herself and mommy. Although baby is fascinated, peek-a-boo is experienced very passively by baby in that mommy does all of the work, and baby watches, not yet entering into the game except as observer. Around this time, the game of peek-a-boo may emerge for the first time as mommy alternately hides her face and reappears for baby. Very simply, baby becomes fascinated with mommy's face as exemplified by pulling on her nose and ears, putting her hands into mommy's mouth, rearing away from her in order to get a better look at her, grabbing her hair, etc. Touch is the primary sensory activity that allows for this beginning differentiation process.Īround six months of age, the process of separation-individuation gets into full swing as differentiation takes on a more exploratory quality. Through movement while being held by mommy, the baby is allowed to get the first inklings of having some separation from mommy, however, this is still very tentative. We begin to see the initiation of the process of physical differentiation that is facilitated by baby's alternately molding her body toward her mommy's, and then distancing her body by arching away. It takes her a little longer, however, to begin to differentiate between herself and mommy. Baby can now differentiate between her mommy and others in the environment. We begin to see the infant smile at mommy in a way that shows some recognition and attachment, and signifies a special bond. Fairly soon, however, the baby begins to discern mommy's face along with the sense of love and warmth that comes from her. ![]() Mother and child are not really different at this point for the infant. It's sort of an extended womb-like experience where all the needs of the infant are magically fulfilled when needed. ![]() Up until that point, the young infant has enjoyed a very symbiotic relationship with her mother, which simply means that she has experienced her mother for the most part as simply an extension of herself. This phase begins somewhere around four to five months of age. Generally, these steps are referred to as the differentiation phase, practicing phase, and rapprochement. There are several steps, or subphases, in the process of separation-individuation that occur fairly chronologically, with some overlap as the child practices what he has learned. Like the child's emergence from his mother's womb during the process of birth, separation-individuation is the "psychological birth of the human infant" (Mahler, 1975) during the early years of life. This process goes on over a period of about three to four years, and is one of the more wondrous phases of development for parents to witness and facilitate. This acquisition of new skills, which allows the young child to begin to widen his perception of the way things actually are (perceive reality), ultimately leads him to the accomplishment of individuation - the emergence of a separate little "self" that can relate to the world and others from the young throne of autonomy. This is both a bodily and psychological process that requires many new skills such as the ability to compare himself to others, to conceptualize, to perceive differences and likenesses, to remember, to display a variety of new emotions, and so forth. Separation-individuation is a developmental term that refers to the process by which an infant begins to differentiate himself from his mother (or the primary caretaker). These tasks are (1) "separation-individuation," and (2) the achievement of what's called "object constancy." Let's take these one at a time and look at how the "peek-a-boo" game provides a simple play mechanism that aids our young toddler in the journey to become a separate, autonomous little person that is emotionally secure and ready to take on the next major steps in exploring the world. What is it about peek-a-boo that is so attractive at this age? The answer lies in the multi-functions this game serves in assisting young children in negotiating several major developmental tasks that are of primary importance during the first three years of life. Peek-a-boo is a favorite game for toddlers, and if a partner is willing, these youngsters can often continue the game for quite some time until some other distraction comes along. ![]()
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