Mirror games: "Nobody like me"

Materials You Need: A large wall mirror, or a small unbreakable mirror (as a toy).

What You Can Do Together: How to do it: Allow the baby to see herself or himself in the mirror. Place an unbreakable mirror next to the baby's crib or changing chair so the baby can see herself or himself on it. Start talking and tap the mirror to get her to look at it. Say "Look, there is [your baby's name]". After a while, the baby will realize that it is her/his reflection. Allow the baby to tap on the mirror and point the finger at himself in the mirror.

Look in the mirror together with your baby—smile and wave to him in the mirror. Smile and make funny facial expressions together as you look yourselves in the mirror. With lipstick or crayon, circle the place where your baby is reflected on the large mirror, encourage her to touch that place with his/her fingers and to stain the mirror with the hand, to explore and realize the changes. Follow everything the baby does with positive and encouraging comments, sounds, talk to the baby about what he/she is doing, what is happening, who is in the mirror, repeat the baby's name, and point to his/her face in the mirror. Repeat the same with your character in the mirror. Point to yourself, name it - it's mom ... this is ... (repeat the child's name).  As your baby gets older, you will see her/ him begin to recognize her name.  Use it often.

In front of the mirror, you can also play hide-and-seek games or "where is [baby's name]?" with the baby. He will always light up and smile when he sees himself and/or you again behind the scarf you are removing.

When the baby starts rolling or crawling on his tummy, play the "come and get me" game. Let the baby move a little, and you follow her and hug her when you catch her.

You can use these activities on all occasions when there is a nice big mirror in front of you, but also in other games on the floor, in the crib, on the big bed, while you are waiting in the doctor's office, etc.

What Your Child is Learning:  These games are so interesting for the baby, while at the same time encouraging the development of an image of oneself, one's appearance, and place in the environment.