What can children recognize when they develop theory-of-mind (TOM)?

When children develop theory of mind (TOM), they gain the ability to understand that other people have different beliefs, desires, and intentions that may not align with their own. This includes the recognition that individuals can hold false beliefs about the world. For instance, if a child knows that a toy is hidden in one location but another child thinks it is in a different place, the child with a developed TOM understands that the second child’s belief is different from reality. This cognitive milestone is significant because it lays the foundation for more complex social interactions and empathy by allowing children to comprehend the mental states of others, which is crucial for navigating social situations.

This understanding contrasts with recognizing mere behavioral aspects such as sharing toys, following rules, or learning from mistakes, which do not require an awareness of the underlying beliefs and intentions of others. Such skills do not inherently involve the same level of cognitive development regarding mental states, making the recognition of false beliefs a unique hallmark of theory of mind development.