Motor Development - Objective Performance

Object permanence means a child understands that things and people keep existing, even if they cannot be seen or heard. This skill is very important for a child's thinking and learning as they grow.

• It shows that babies are beginning to think and remember in new ways.
• Famous psychologist Piaget said object permanence is a key part of how our brains grow in early life.

• New research shows that babies as young as five months may have some understanding of object permanence.
• Piaget suggested the ability usually develops between 9–12 months.
• It is shown in experiments where babies look longer at events that seem impossible (like a toy that suddenly disappears).

If you play peekaboo with a baby and they expect your face to return after you hide it, they are showing object permanence.

• Object permanence is the understanding that things still exist even when they cannot be seen or heard.
• It shows that a baby’s memory and thinking abilities are developing.
• Jean Piaget said it usually develops between 9–12 months.
• New research suggests babies as young as five months may show early signs of it.
• It can be seen when babies expect hidden objects or faces (like in peekaboo) to return.