By looking at other children, particularly at those who are a little bit older or have higher status in a group. Like Jeremy, with his Superman pants. Of course, children's temperaments and what they hear at home also matter. Most kids filter what they see and hear outside of home through what they see and hear in the home. But regardless of whether you subscribe to Harris's conclusion, the latest research shows that the influence of peers much of it positive can't be ignored, even for very young ages.
Peers are a natural reference point.
For this reason, understanding how peers will influence your child throughout his childhood is critically important. Even before they have words, kids learn a lot from each other. They watch other children to see how things are done. They may see a friend feed herself, throw a tantrum, or take her first steps, and then imitate the behavior. Parents see a little of this among siblings at home, but teachers at childcare centers observe it all day long.