What does domestic mimicry typically begin to appear in children around?

Domestic mimicry, which refers to children imitating the behaviors and activities they observe in their environment, generally starts to emerge around 18 months of age. At this stage, toddlers have developed a greater understanding of their surroundings and the social interactions that occur within their households. They become more engaged in activities they see adults or older children perform, such as pretending to cook, talk on the phone, or care for a doll.

The onset of domestic mimicry aligns with developmental milestones in language acquisition and social skills, where children are eager to experiment with their newfound abilities. As they approach this age, their cognitive and motor skills are advancing, allowing them to not only observe but also imitate actions with more precision. This play-based learning is essential for their social development, encouraging them to understand social roles and relationships through observation and repetition.

Although earlier ages are critical for foundational skills, such as basic imitative actions, the more complex and context-driven act of domestic mimicry typically crystallizes in the later part of the first year into the second year of life.