Leap 7: The world of sequences

Question 1

What changes occur during the brain?

Answer 1

Between 40 and 44 weeks, the area of baby’s brain that perceives and remembers the order in which events occur begins to mature.

Question 2

What are the signs a leap is beginning (fussy phase)?

Answer 2

• cries more often
• frequently bad-tempered or cranky
• demands more attention
• Pronounced mood swings
• want to be kept busy more often
• clings more to parent, or more often.
• acts unusually sweet
• notably mischievous
• throws temper tantrums, or more often
• shyer, or more shy
• jealous, or jealous more often
• protests more or more often when put down from being held.
• sleeps poorly
• seems to have nightmares more frequently
• loses appetite
• “talk” less often
• sometimes just sit there, daydreaming
• refusal of being dressed or getting diaper changed.
• sucks thumb, or more often
• reaches for a soft toy, or more often.
• more babyish.

Question 3

What happens during this leap?

Answer 3

• They will begin, for the first time, to try to put things together.
• Baby now has the ability to perceive and play with “sequences”
• They realize that to reach their goals they need to do things in a certain order.
• They concern themselves with constructing, putting things together, and linking things.
• You will see that there is more purpose in their actions than before, that they now know what they are doing.

Question 4

How can we help baby during this leap?

Answer 4

• Show some understanding for frustrations
• Your baby may be testing you; correct them when necessary.
• Praise them for good behavior and self-correction.
• Let your baby steer the conversation and activity.
• Show understanding of “irrational” fears

Question 5

What is observable during the easy period?

Answer 5

• cheerful and independent
• baby pays much better attention when parents are talking to them.
• may seem calmer and more controlled in play, and they may play well on their own again.
• may look remarkable older and wiser