Where Can I Hide?

1. 1

   A child who enjoys finding people in hide-and-seek may now be ready to hide themselves.

2. 2

   They might begin behind a curtain, leaving the top of their head visible while waiting to be found.

3. 3

   Approach playfully: “There you are! I’m going to catch you!”

4. 4

   After your child runs away, invite them to choose another place and hide again before you search.

5. 5

   As they explore, some spaces will not fit. Let your child back out and try a new location.

6. 6

   Across several rounds, notice how they begin choosing places that conceal more of their body.

What to notice

• Leaves a space that is too small and tries another hiding place Gross Motor
• Returns to a hiding place that worked before Sense of Identity and Belonging

Tips

• Another caregiver can quietly point out a possible spot and help your child discover more places that are large enough for hiding.

Developmental benefits

• Movement: Trying to fit into different hiding places gives your child experience sensing their body’s size in relation to the surrounding space.