Nursery World - A Unique Child: Child Development

Self-awareness is not something we are born with, but an
understanding that grows over time. Crucially, says Maria Robinson, it relies on a baby's experience of interacting with others

A recent craze that seems to have gripped some people is that of taking 'selfies' — that is, a photograph of themselves. It is taken for granted that anyone who does this will know who they are - and, of course, this seems so obvious. However, recognising a picture of ourselves as us is not something that just happens, but something that develops over time.

It is around 16 to 18 to months that we seem to be able to recognise that it is 'me' in a mirror and begin to identify ourselves in a photo. In addition, being 'self-aware' is not just this recognition; this wonderful milestone begins a process that is much deeper than just recognising the physical self.

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