Young infants tend to show two emotions: distress and excitement. They seem to be comfortable or uncomfortable. As they grow, they become attached to their caregivers. With time, they begin to show their emotions, such as happiness, fear, and love. Socially, young children are focused on the adults who are close to them. But after the first birthday, they show interest in other toddlers. However, their parents are still the most important to children in this age group. As a parent, you have to be aware that your actions will have a strong effect on the children’s social-emotional development.
Attachment
Early in life. children become attached to the people who care for them, such as their mothers, fathers, caregivers or other siblings. This is especially true with infants. The know that when they are hungry, wet, or frightened, they can depend on these people. Crying, smiling, looking, and making vocal sounds are examples of attachment behaviors. Attachment begins early in life. Studies show that a one-month old baby may show signs of distress if they are cared for by an unfamiliar person. These distress signs appear as irregular eating or sleeping patterns. Another attachment behavior shown by infants is separation distress. This occurs when a familiar caregiver is leaving. The child becomes unhappy. This appears at about six months of age. The child often cries as a sign of distress. This reaction is very strong by 15 months. As a caregiver, you need to be prepared for the attachment behaviors of children in this age group.
Temperament
Temperament refers to the ways children react to their environment. Passivity, irritablity, and activity patterns are part of a child’s temperament.
Passivity
Passivity shows how actively involved a child is with his surroundings. A passive infant withdraws from a new person or event, while an active infant does something in response to a new person or event.
Irritability
Irritability refers to the tendency of children to feel distressed. There are infants who cry easily and are difficult to comfort even if you hold them or try to soothe them. But there are infants who rarely cry. They are not bothered by changes.
Activity patterns
Activity patterns or levels of movements vary in infants. Some infants are constantly moving their arms and legs. They may even sleep restlessly. Other infants are quiet, making few movements. They may hardly move when asleep. As a parent or caregiver, you need to understand the temperaments of children. If given love and care, most children will grow to be happy and well-adjusted individuals.
