Author: Ms. Gigi Pang (Counseling Psychologist)
Around 2 to 3 months after birth, babies begin to enjoy sucking their fingers, which may worry some parents. Aside from hygiene concerns, they may also worry that the child will have difficulty quitting this habit later on.
Sucking is a natural instinct for babies, observable even when they are in the womb sucking on their own fingers. According to developmental psychology research, babies start to develop awareness of their bodies through exploring their fingers, toes, and other body parts in the first few months after birth, laying the foundation for the formation of self-concept. In other words, infants gradually form their self-concept starting from recognizing their own bodies, progressing to understanding the world around them and forming opinions about themselves through interactions with external stimuli. Studies show that children with positive self-concepts generally have higher confidence in their learning abilities and academic performance, maintain a positive attitude towards learning, and are better equipped to face challenges with a positive mindset.
The formation of self-concept is a gradual process, and parents can promote their baby’s self-awareness in daily life through activities such as:
- Body part games: While interacting with the baby, point to their body parts such as nose, eyes, fingers, etc., and say the corresponding words. This helps them associate these words with their own body parts.
- Mirror games: Babies around 6 to 24 months old can start recognizing their existence and physical features by observing themselves in a mirror. As they begin to realize the reflection in the mirror is themselves, they gradually develop body awareness and self-identity, which are part of self-concept. Parents can place a mirror where the baby can see it during tummy time on the bed or floor, allowing them to observe their face, hands, and body parts.
- Self-exploration activities: Provide a safe environment for the baby to freely explore their body and the world around them. They can touch their hands, feet, face, and other body parts while parents encourage their autonomy, like letting them grab toys or attempt to roll over. Such an environment can stimulate their curiosity and exploration desire, aiding in the development of the baby’s independence.
References:
- Huang, C. (2011). Self-concept and academic achievement: A meta-analysis of longitudinal relations. Journal of school psychology, 49(5), 505-528.
- Amsterdam, B. (1972). Mirror self‐image reactions before age two. Developmental Psychobiology: The Journal of the International Society for Developmental Psychobiology, 5(4), 297-305.
