Kids close their eyes for various reasons, often depending on their age, development, and the specific situation. One common reason, particularly in younger children, relates to their understanding of visibility and hiding.
Understanding Hiding and Invisibility
According to research (Russell et al., 2012), children sometimes close their eyes because they believe that if they can't see others, then others can't see them. This stems from a developmental stage where their understanding of perspective and perception is still forming.
- Egocentrism: Young children often struggle to understand that others have different perspectives than their own. What they experience is what they assume everyone else experiences.
- "If I can't see you, you can't see me": This is a simplified understanding of hiding. They equate blocking their own vision with becoming invisible.
Example
Imagine a child playing hide-and-seek. They might cover their eyes, believing they are effectively hidden because they can't see the seeker. This behavior is less about strategic hiding and more about a misunderstanding of how visibility works.
Other Reasons Children Close Their Eyes
Beyond this "invisibility" concept, children close their eyes for other reasons too:
- Tiredness: Closing their eyes can be a sign of fatigue.
- Concentration: Sometimes, closing their eyes helps them focus better on a sound or feeling.
- Emotional Response: They might close their eyes when scared, sad, or overwhelmed.
- Playing Games: "Simon Says" or other games might require them to close their eyes.
- Imitation: They might be imitating others, such as parents or siblings.
How Adults Can Help
- Explain perspective: Help them understand that others have different views.
- Play games that involve perspective-taking: Games can improve understanding in a playful way.
- Be patient: This understanding develops over time.
In conclusion, while the reasoning behind a child closing their eyes can vary, it is often linked to their developing understanding of perspective and visibility, sometimes relating to the belief that if they can't see you, you can't see them (Russell et al., 2012).
