How to Introduce Children to Hide-and-Go-Seek

As your children grow past their baby years, the action games will begin. Hide-and-seek is a perennial favorite, standing the test of time. Even the littlest babies can begin to understand some of the fundamentals of hiding an object or a person and then trying to find it. Enjoy playtime with your children by introducing them to the thrills of hide-and-seek.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk for a moment about how sometimes a thing or a person goes out of sight, but that just because you cannot see it, doesn̵7;t mean that it disappears or stops existing. Known as ̶0;object permanence,̶1; most babies develop this understanding sometime between 6 and 12 months of age, according to a newsletter published on the website of Parent Trust for Washington Children, a Washington state-based organization that promotes safe, healthy families and communities. Demonstrate object permanence for your youngsters by walking into the next room out of sight and calling to them. Just because they cannot see you, doesn̵7;t mean you disappear.

    • 2

      Present the game of hide-and-seek by explaining the concept and the rules to your kids. Keep it simple by talking about one person being ̶0;it,̶1; with the job of covering his eyes, counting and then looking for the other players, or ̶0;seeking̶1; them out. While the seeker counts to a predetermined number, everyone else must hide.

    • 3

      Begin a practice game to give the children a chance to learn how hide-and-seek works. Find an appropriate place where the seeker can cover her eyes and count to 10, or to 25, perhaps. While the seeker counts, give quiet suggestions to the hiders to help them find suitable places to hide. Once the seeker finishes counting, supervise as she begins searching for the other children. Once she finds children, they should wait quietly without giving clues while the seeker continues searching. Play continues until the seeker finds everyone.

    • 4

      Play a regular game of hide-and-seek once everyone understands the rules and the concept. Join in and play with your kids to make pleasant memories.

    • 5

      Encourage good sportsmanship while playing hide-and-seek. Keep the focus on fun and enjoyment, avoiding competitiveness in the seeking and hiding activities. Help kids understand that it̵7;s important to accept being found by the seeker without becoming angry or frustrated.

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