Peek-a-Boo Really Can Change the World

Seven-year-old Molly Wright opens her brief TED Talk with the question, “What if I was to tell you a game of peek-a-boo could change the world?” She then proceeds to explore “some powerful things you as adults can do that shape us as children and the adults we become.” Wright notes, “Our healthy development depends on these top five things: one, connecting; two, talking; three, playing; four, a healthy home, five; community.”

In a compelling demonstration, Molly narrates the delightful serve-and-return interaction evident as her neighbor Armajot plays with his child Ari. Armajot then turns his attention to his phone, and Ari cries as his bids for connection momentarily fail. Wright comments, “I know it’s important for adults to use their devices sometimes, but kids are hardwired to seek out meaningful connections. Not receiving them causes confusion and stress.”

Ari laughs almost as soon as his dad re-engages with him, and Wright asks, “Now what if our whole childhood was like that last 30 seconds? How hard it would be for a child to feel calm? To feel safe? To learn to trust anyone?”

Wright concludes, “The positive relationships with the grown-ups in our lives gives kids the confidence we need to try new things, to explore and be a kid…See? Peek-a-boo really can change the World.”

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