At what age do children develop a sense of self?

Children develop a sense of self around 18 months to 2 years old.

During the first year of life, infants are unable to distinguish themselves from their surroundings. They do not recognise themselves in a mirror and do not understand that their actions have an impact on their environment. However, around 18 months to 2 years old, children begin to develop a sense of self-awareness. This is known as the emergence of the self-concept.

The self-concept is the image and understanding that a person has of themselves. It includes their physical appearance, personality traits, abilities, and beliefs. Children at this age begin to recognise themselves in a mirror and use personal pronouns such as “me” and “mine”. They also start to understand that others have different thoughts and feelings from their own.

As children grow and develop, their self-concept becomes more complex. They begin to compare themselves to others and develop a sense of self-esteem. This is influenced by their experiences, interactions with others, and cultural factors. By adolescence, the self-concept has become a more stable and integrated part of a person’s identity.

Overall, the development of a sense of self is a crucial part of human growth and is influenced by a range of factors. Understanding this process is important for psychologists, parents, and educators in supporting children’s social and emotional development.