stranger anxiety

Stranger anxiety is another reflection of the effects of object permanence. "You're not my mommy! I know my mommy and you're not my mommy!" Young children do much better with this if adults around them remember that it may take a little while for the child to warm up to a stranger, even grandpa if he hasn't been around the child recently (or even worse, daddy after a long business trip). If this is a problem for you, advise such people to approach your child from 7-8 months old on more slowly and quietly, in a non-threatening way. The child will warm up to the newcomer as his natural curiosity takes over.

Night, Night! Dr. Hull's Common Sense Sleep Solutions©

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