Jasmine now says 'duck' when she catches sight of anything resembling a bird that is also yellow like her bath toy. She has several times said Grandad (Ga da) when her grandfather is near her, and dog (dor) when watching the family labrador. Each of these vocalisations is given a positive response by family members, encouraging her to repeat them. Jasmine looks in the direction of each family member as their name is said to her, again showing her understanding.
Jasmine now holds her arms out to be picked up, sometimes to seek comfort, but also because it is a newly acquired action that she clearly enjoys, gaining her the reward of a cuddle.
When sitting still she has started to turn her wrists round and round, and she now claps, patting the back of one hand with the other, often calling her personal version of 'hooray' at the same time.
In her highchair Jasmine often places one foot on the tray, grinning at her mother as she waits to be asked to remove it. This shows an increasing understanding of what is expected of her.
Questions
1 What term is used to describe the positive responses given to Jasmine by her family?
2 Jasmine has never had a sit-in baby walker. Would this help her walk earlier, do you think?
Answers to part 11 questions: (21 March)
1 The first teeth to appear are usually the four central incisors (the ones Jasmine has). The lower ones tend to appear first. These are normally followed by the four lateral incisors (upper before lower). Then from one year onwards the first molars arrive, with the canines at about 16 months and the second molars just before the second birthday.
2 Most infants start to walk between 12 and 14 months.
3 From around seven months many babies become wary of people who are unfamiliar to them, clinging more to their main carer.
By Sandy Green, an early years consultant and freelance trainer. She is also Jasmine's grandmother
