Want to light up your baby’s brain? Think “serve and return.” 🎾 Much like a tennis match, serve and return entails back and forth interaction during which adult and child trade conversational (and other expressive) turns. This father/daughter duo provide a fantastic example. Only 8 weeks old, baby “serves” by reaching out for her father’s attention - making eye contact, sticking out her tongue, and cooing. Her adoring and attentive dad, meanwhile, “returns” - mimicking and extending her cues and vocalizations. As the two participate in this mutual exchange, neural connections are strengthened that support the development of baby’s communication and social skills. More than just your physical presence, your baby needs periods of your undivided attention - so be mindful of screen time and other distractions and engage your little one face-to-face. The dividends will be huge. This fantastic 🎥- and model father/daughter exchange - via giannaspapabear on IG.

This fascinating video shows what developmental psychologists call a “scale error.” As toddlers develop a conceptual understanding of size, it’s not uncommon to see them earnestly attempt to utilize miniature objects without consideration of the fact they are (sometimes comically) tiny. This little one knows the function of a chair, but fails to identify this one as too small to sit in. Scale errors are unique to this period of development. Younger children may not yet possess knowledge of the item in question or the motor skills required to utilize it - while older children possess an awareness of size that helps to inhibit such futile actions. (Older children may attempt them, but typically with humor in mind. 😀) So interesting to watch. 🎥 kg_0773 IG

Excited to be in Greensboro, North Carolina today at the @ncsmartstart conference to present findings from NC’s updated Preschool Development Grant Needs Assessment with @Hunt_Institute’s @EmilyChavisTHI and colleagues from @DukeChildPol. #smartstart2023