Benefits of Playing Hide-and-Seek

Submitted by Rebecca Smith ~ Family Ties Association

Did you know that playing ‘peek-a-boo’ and ‘hide-and-seek’ with children does more than creating some fun memories? Engaging in these games is helping their brains and bodies grow in big ways; let’s dig into that growth and see what is happening in our small and mighty kiddos!

Learning About Object Permanence and Practicing Safe Separation. Playing ‘peek-a-boo’ starts to lay out the foundations for children to learn about object permanence (learning that people and items still exist when out of sight or touch). When a parent hides behind their hands or an object, kiddos experience that brief moment of separation and then connection when the parent reappears; doing this over and over again helps to create new connections in the brain that help with the development of object permanence and safety (Delahooke, 2022). Playing ‘hide-and-seek’ when a child is older helps to continue this growth process.

Enhancing Emotional Self-Control and Impulse Control. Think back, do you remember how hard it was to sit, stay quiet, and wait to be found? That takes a lot of control not to jump up and scare your playmate or let out a little giggle giving away your spot. When kiddos play hide-and-seek, they are learning to engage in self-control and impulse control behaviours (Delahooke, 2022).

Strengthening Muscles and Body Awareness. In order to run, hide, and fit their bodies into small spots, children need to have strong bodies! Kiddos also develop awareness of their bodies in space (proprioception) when finding that perfect spot – can I fit into that small space? Is my leg hidden under that blanket? How do I get out of this space now? Little ones also strengthen their whole bodies when engaging in ‘peek-a-boo’; it isn’t easy to learn to bring up their hands to their face.

Practicing Risk Taking Skills. Believe it or not, playing ‘hide-and-seek’ can be seen as a way for children to develop their risk taking skills (Child Development Institute, 2015). Kiddos are taking a risk when they separate from their playmates, taking a risk when finding the ‘just right spot’ to hide, climbing to places/heights they’ve never been, and taking risks when trying to find their playmate. So in a sense, they are testing out those risk taking skills, which can be scary and the outcome can be unknown, but they are learning to do it in a safe and playful way.

Enhance their senses. When children are playing ‘hide-and-seek’, all of their senses are being engaged. They are using their eyes to scan for their playmates, ears to hear any movements, hands to feel under or above spots, and sense of smell – maybe their playmate just had a snack or smells like certain laundry detergent. What better way to be fully present in the moment then playing ‘hide-and-seek’!

Now that you know all about the great benefits playing ‘peek-a-boo’ and ‘hide-and-seek’ have; get out there and find some amazing hiding spots!

Sources and references

Delahooke, M. (2022). Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behavior and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids. Harper Wave.

(2015, May 18). Why playing hide-and-seek is good for your child. Child Development Institute. https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/child-activities/why-playing-hide-and-seek-is-good-for-your-child/

Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/mother-and-son-playing-hide-and-seek-9478789/