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Your child has a developed self-awareness by now and is beginning to understand that she is a person in her own right. She develops preferences, realizes that certain rules govern the world and begins to understand the scope and limits of her control and the impact of her behavior.
The ability to influence the world and cause things to happen directly affects your baby’s self-esteem and development. As your child begins to discover her power, and learns to use it, she will make demands – that you read her a book, push the swing, or give her a cookie. All this is accomplished non-verbally, but the message is very clearly communicated!
Baby's connection with her mother or primary caregiver intensifies at this stage. She feels that she is at the center of the universe and expresses jealousy when she isn't the main focus of your attention. On the other hand, baby asserts more independence and confidence. The mother or caregiver becomes a secure base from which she explores her world and expands her horizons, and to whom she returns to get a "refill" of encouragement. During this period, separation anxiety manifests itself strongly.