PARENTING DYNAMICS

Early life experiences shape our development and can have lasting positive or negative effects. Dr. Ed Tronick's 'still-face' experiment shows that our need for connection begins at a very young age and how a parent's reactions can impact a baby's emotional growth. We learn early on how our behavior can affect others, and the experiment provides insight into what happens when connection is absent.

In this experiment, a mother and her baby face each other. The mother engages with the baby and then shows a lack of responsiveness for two minutes. The baby initially tries to get the mother's attention but becomes distressed and frustrated. This can lead to loss of postural control and self-comforting behaviors. Once the mother returns to interacting with the baby, there is a clear sense of joy and relief. The still face is a common occurrence for parents, but it can have a detrimental impact on a baby's development if it occurs over long periods. It's essential to note that dads are just as important as mothers in their children's lives.