In a child’s first few months they possess the ability to identify, not only their mother’s, but other close individuals as well, by sight, sound, and smell. However, not until they are several months old do children begin to notice strangers and the differences or similarities they may portray. Furthermore, if a child is the product of a diverse family, they will feel more comfortable with others appearing different and will accept this as the norm. However, children from families that lack a diversity, will associate their skin tone as the normal skin tone and all others as different. By their third-year children can identify and express their thoughts on skin tone and will often point out when theirs is different or like another person’s.
