From the moment a baby is born, they start to develop and learn at a rapid pace. One of the many skills they will learn is the ability to understand and use duplicity or deceitfulness.
In this article, we will explore when babies start to develop this skill and how it impacts their development.
What is Duplicity?
Duplicity, in simple terms, refers to the act of being deceitful or dishonest by pretending to have qualities or characteristics that are not accurate.
Babies develop this skill as they become more aware of their surroundings and start to understand the concept of cause and effect. They may start using duplicity as a way to manipulate or control their environment to get what they want.
This skill later becomes important as they learn to navigate social situations and understand the importance of hiding their true emotions in certain situations.
When Do Babies Start to Develop Duplicity?
The age at which babies start to develop duplicity varies from child to child. Some babies may show signs of being deceptive as early as 6 months old, while others may not develop this skill until they are around 3 years old.
However, research suggests that by the time babies reach 6 to 8 months old, they are aware of the concept of deception and can recognize when others are being deceptive.
How Do Babies Learn Duplicity?
Babies learn duplicity through observation and experience. They watch the behavior of those around them, including adults and other children, and learn from them.
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Understanding Duplicity in Infants
Babies learn that hiding their true intentions or emotions can sometimes help them get what they want. As they grow older, they become more skilled at being deceitful and may use sophisticated tactics such as lying, manipulation, and feigning emotions to deceive others.
Does Duplicity Affect a Baby’s Development?
Learning to use duplicity can be both beneficial and harmful for a baby’s development. On the one hand, being able to recognize and use duplicity can help babies navigate through social situations and learn how to protect their interests.
It can also help them develop their language and communication skills as they learn to convey their thoughts and emotions in a more sophisticated manner.
On the other hand, overuse of duplicity can lead to trust issues and damage relationships in the long run. Babies who learn to use duplicity excessively may find it difficult to establish and maintain healthy relationships in the future.
How Can Parents Help Their Babies Learn Duplicity Responsibly?
Parents can help their babies learn to use duplicity responsibly by modeling positive behavior themselves. This includes being honest and truthful with their babies and avoiding engaging in any deceptive behavior in front of them.
Parents can also talk to their babies about the importance of honesty and explain the consequences of being deceptive. As babies grow older, parents can role-play social situations with them to help them practice using duplicity in a responsible way.
The Bottom Line
Duplicity is a natural part of human development, and babies will learn to use it as they become more aware of their surroundings.
However, parents can play an important role in helping their babies learn to use duplicity responsibly by modeling positive behavior themselves and teaching their babies the importance of honesty and trust in relationships.
