Self-Control, Expressing Feelings

A Growing Emotional Repertoire

Your baby is getting quite good at Expressing Feelings by the time he reaches 9-12 months old, showing you affection, crying when you leave, or being fearful of a new situation. Your little individual is also developing preferences, and you'll soon be able to tell his favorite people, toys, and foods. His Self-Control has also been growing, and he is becoming better at self-soothing, using different strategies, such as sucking his thumb or holding a favorite toy, to calm himself. Does he sometimes check in with you to see your reaction to a situation? This is called social referencing, and it is yet another effective tool in his self-soothing toolbox.

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