Your Brilliant Baby in Week 50: Social Referencing

Two aspects of the phenomenon are important. First, if your child is approaching an electrical outlet while holding a screwdriver in his hand, let your child see horror written all over your face. Don't fake a smile and use a sweet voice. To prevent any confusion, it's important to mesh your body language, tone of voice, and words with a clear, "NO! Stop!" while taking the screwdriver from his hand. (Remember, Baby has relied on you to quell her wariness since week 32.)

Second, realize that you are now, and will be for many years to come, an important reference for your children regarding what's safe, what's dangerous, what's right, and what's wrong. For now it's hot stoves and electrical outlets. Later the issues get more complicated, but your child will continue to look for your opinion all the years she develops; don't hesitate to offer it.

Your Week 50 Toolbox

Related skills and topics this week include …