Leap 9: The world of principles

Question 1

What brain changes occur?

Answer 1

From US research of 408 identical twins, it was concluded that around 14 months of age, there was clear hereditary influence upon mental development.
- both nonverbal skills and speech comprehension.

Question 2

What are the signs 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
• sometimes mischievious
• throws temper tantrums, or more often
• shyer, or more shy
• jealous, or more often so
• protests more or more often when put down from being held.
• sleeps poorly
• seems to have nightmares more frequently
• loses appetite
• babbles 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

• You will notice that they complete “various” programs more smoothly, and naturally than before.
• They will think ahead, contemplate, consider the consequences of their actions, and make plans and
  evaluate them. They will come up with strategies.
• Will understand that they have to make choices all throughout the day.
• They will practice becoming more skillful in things and language; will imitate others and replay their actions; will practice with emotions; and will start thinking ahead.
• They will test their bodies’ capabilities.
• They realize they count, too, as a human and enforce their will. Be understanding.
• Realizes objects can be “mine” and “yours”. Still needs to be taught how to play and share with others. Toddlers especially don’t trust other children.
• They understand that they can use positive emotions as a mean to an end.
• Develops an appreciation for humor and may use it as a tactic to get away with something otherwise frowned upon. Give them the opportunity to be creative but be very clear when they overstep themselves.
• May start negotiating.

Question 4

What are the statistics on aggression?

Answer 4

• Research has shown that parents report their child’s first physical aggression shortly after their first birthday.
• At 17 months, 90% of parents report that their child is sometimes aggressive.
• Physical aggression peaks just before the 2nd birthday. Thereafter, under normal healthy circumstances, this behavior recedes.

Question 5

What is observable during the easy period?

Answer 5

• become less troublesome
• are bigger and wiser.
• joining in with daily activities.
• you sometimes forget they are still very young.