Peek-a-boo is more than just a playful phrase—it’s a moment of connection, surprise, and warmth, often shared between parents and babies, caregivers and toddlers, or even adults being lighthearted with one another. At its core, peek-a-boo expresses presence, joy, and playful engagement, making the response just as important as the word itself.
In this article, I’ll share thoughtful, warm, and expressive responses to “peek-a-boo” that feel natural, caring, and emotionally engaging. Drawing from real-life parenting moments, family interactions, and communication psychology, this guide is written to help you respond with intent, affection, and authenticity—whether you’re talking to a baby, a child, or just being playful.
1. “There you are!” – A Classic Peek-a-Boo Response
There you are is a gentle and reassuring response that acknowledges presence.
Best use:
- With babies and toddlers
- During face-to-face play
Not to use:
- In serious or formal conversations
Other ways to say:
- I see you!
- Found you!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
There you are! 😊
2. “I see you!” – Acknowledging Connection
This phrase builds emotional validation and recognition.
Best use:
- Building trust and attachment
- Eye-contact moments
Not to use:
- Sarcastically with adults
Other ways to say:
- I found you
- Got you!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
I see you, sweetheart!
3. “Found You!” – Encouraging Playful Surprise
Found you adds excitement and engagement.
Best use:
- High-energy play
- Encouraging laughter
Not to use:
- When a child is overstimulated
Other ways to say:
- Gotcha!
- There you are!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
Found you! 🎉
4. “Hello, Beautiful!” – Warm and Affirming
A loving response that boosts emotional warmth.
Best use:
- Parent-child bonding
- Caregiver interactions
Not to use:
- With strangers
Other ways to say:
- Hi, my love
- Hello, sunshine
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
Hello, beautiful! 💛
5. “Hi There!” – Simple and Friendly
This keeps things light and conversational.
Best use:
- Casual peek-a-boo play
- Group settings
Not to use:
- When deeper emotional engagement is needed
Other ways to say:
- Hey you!
- Hello!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
Hi there!
6. “Surprise!” – Adding Excitement
This response heightens playful anticipation.
Best use:
- Games with laughter
- Expressive children
Not to use:
- With easily startled kids
Other ways to say:
- Ta-da!
- Guess who!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
Surprise! 🎈
7. “You Got Me!” – Reversing the Game
A fun way to empower the child.
Best use:
- Encouraging confidence
- Interactive play
Not to use:
- One-sided play
Other ways to say:
- You found me!
- Nice try!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
You got me!
8. “Oh My!” – Expressive and Gentle
Adds emotional reaction without overstimulation.
Best use:
- Babies learning expressions
Not to use:
- Repetitively
Other ways to say:
- Oh wow!
- My goodness!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
Oh my! 😄
9. “Hello Again!” – Familiar and Comforting
Repetition builds security and routine.
Best use:
- Bedtime play
- Daily routines
Not to use:
- When novelty is needed
Other ways to say:
- There you are again
- Hi once more
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
Hello again!
10. “I Missed You!” – Emotional Connection
Creates a sense of importance and belonging.
Best use:
- Strengthening attachment
Not to use:
- Overdramatically
Other ways to say:
- You’re back!
- I’m so happy to see you
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
I missed you!
11. “Peek-a-Who?” – Turning It Playful
Adds curiosity and humor.
Best use:
- Toddlers learning words
Not to use:
- Very young infants
Other ways to say:
- Who’s that?
- Who is it?
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
Peek-a-who?
12. “It’s You!” – Recognition and Joy
Reinforces identity awareness.
Best use:
- Early development stages
Not to use:
- Sarcastically
Other ways to say:
- There you are!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
It’s you!
13. “What a Surprise!” – Gentle Excitement
Encourages emotional expression.
Best use:
- Calm playful moments
Not to use:
- Overstimulated children
Other ways to say:
- So surprising!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
What a surprise!
14. “You’re So Fast!” – Encouraging Skill
Builds confidence through praise.
Best use:
- Toddlers learning movement
Not to use:
- Over-praising
Other ways to say:
- That was quick!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
You’re so fast!
15. “I Was Waiting!” – Anticipation Response
Creates excitement and bonding.
Best use:
- Repeated games
Not to use:
- If child loses interest
Other ways to say:
- I knew you’d come back
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
I was waiting!
16. “You’re Back!” – Reassuring Presence
Supports emotional security.
Best use:
- Separation anxiety moments
Not to use:
- Teasing tone
Other ways to say:
- There you are again
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
You’re back!
17. “So Silly!” – Playful Validation
Encourages humor.
Best use:
- Laughing play sessions
Not to use:
- Corrective moments
Other ways to say:
- That’s funny!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
So silly!
18. “You Made Me Smile!” – Emotional Feedback
Shows impact and connection.
Best use:
- Teaching emotional cause-effect
Not to use:
- Overuse
Other ways to say:
- That made me happy
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
You made me smile!
19. “Hi, My Favorite Person!” – Deep Warmth
Strengthens emotional bonds.
Best use:
- Parent-child moments
Not to use:
- Public settings excessively
Other ways to say:
- My favorite human
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
Hi, my favorite person!
20. “There You Go!” – Gentle Encouragement
Affirms action.
Best use:
- Early learning play
Not to use:
- Corrective situations
Other ways to say:
- That’s it!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
There you go!
21. “I Knew It Was You!” – Recognition Play
Builds identity awareness.
Best use:
- Toddlers
Not to use:
- Sarcastic tone
Other ways to say:
- I recognized you
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
I knew it was you!
22. “You’re Too Cute!” – Affectionate Praise
Adds warmth and love.
Best use:
- Loving interactions
Not to use:
- Overuse
Other ways to say:
- Adorable!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
You’re too cute!
23. “That Was Fun!” – Shared Experience
Encourages positive reinforcement.
Best use:
- Ending the game
Not to use:
- If child wants to continue
Other ways to say:
- I loved that!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
That was fun!
24. “Let’s Do It Again!” – Extending Play
Shows enthusiasm.
Best use:
- Engaged children
Not to use:
- When child is tired
Other ways to say:
- One more time!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
Let’s do it again!
25. “Peek-a-Boo to You Too!” – Mirroring Response
Creates balanced interaction.
Best use:
- Teaching turn-taking
Not to use:
- One-sided play
Other ways to say:
- Back at you!
Example:
Peek-a-boo!
Peek-a-boo to you too!
Conclusion
Responding to peek-a-boo is about more than words—it’s about presence, warmth, and shared joy. From my own experience interacting with children and observing emotional development, the right response builds trust, laughter, and lasting bonds. By choosing responses that are kind, expressive, and age-appropriate, you turn a simple game into a meaningful connection.
Editor’s Choice: 10 Best Peek-a-Boo Responses
- There you are! – Timeless and reassuring
- I see you! – Emotionally validating
- Found you! – Energetic and playful
- Hello, beautiful! – Deeply affectionate
- You got me! – Confidence-boosting
- Peek-a-who? – Language development friendly
- You made me smile! – Emotional awareness
- Let’s do it again! – Encouraging engagement
- You’re back! – Reassuring presence
- Peek-a-boo to you too! – Perfect mirroring response
