Peer Relationships of Preschool Infants and Ties to Objects

A Focus on Infants Sharing with Other Children

Abstract

This study explores the connection between infants’ peer relationships and objects in preschool, with a focus on how infants share with other children. Using observations and detailed analyses, we found that the sharing of an object between an infant and other children is tied (1) to their relationship as playmates, and (2) to their image of children’s play or peer consciousness of similar acts. The paper discusses (3) how the connection between an infant’s peer relationships and objects depends on the visual appeal and permanence of the object, and (4) how, in preschool education, objects have various meanings for children that are related to their images of pretend play and their peer relationships.