Attachment and Trust, Self-Concept

Stranger Anxiety - It's More than Just Shyness

As your baby's Attachment and Trust in you grows, he may go through a period of stranger anxiety, hiding his face in your shoulder when a person approaches or crying when being held by someone he doesn't know well. This is normal for your baby at 6-9 months old, and it shows how safe and secure he feels around you. But take heart that by 18 months, stranger anxiety should become a thing of the past. With his growing Self-Concept, your baby will also start showing signs that he is his own person, showing different emotions, pointing to a toy that he wants, self-soothing himself with a favorite toy, or fussing when his needs aren't quickly met. He still looks to you for security though, so don't be surprised if he checks in with you periodically during playtime, by looking in your direction or coming over to you for support.

Has your baby achieved the following Attachment and Trust and Self-Concept developmental milestones yet? If yes, check off all the skill(s) he has already mastered to date!