I have just spent about an hour. An hour of time that I definitely don’t have. An hour of time in which I could have been sleeping–an activity well worth my attention at this moment. I have just spent an hour reading what I have found to be an absolutely fascinating article. So now, here I am, sleepless, sharing it with you because I found the research truly that enthralling.
Researchers are beginning to study the way the baby brain works. I always thought it was simple. They cry when they’re hungry, when they need to be changed, or when they want to nurse. In short, they cry all the time. . .and then you fix it so they stop crying for a little while. . .and so the cycle goes. But I am wrong.
Apparently babies are a bundle of complex emotions and thoughts that researchers are now deciphering. Applications are interesting in that research is indicating that if pediatrician’s spend more time discussing the emotional health of your infant, rather than their physical milestones, they will be able to detect problems much earlier. However, not all areas of the research deal with potential problems. . .
Jealousy
I don’t know who thought jealousy was beyond an infant’s grasp but I’m suspecting that they didn’t have several children close together and they definitely didn‘t have twins. One researcher has been conducting the following scenario:
She has mom read a book to her baby (Elmo was used in the scenario mentioned) and baby’s reaction is noted. Then, mom holds a baby doll and caresses, and holds it. They say they’ve done this experiment with hundreds of babies and the results are always the same. While Elmo barely draws any attention, mom holding the potential competition is just way too much to bear. Young infants scream, cry and throw fits at the sight of mom sharing her love with another. Researchers note that they are surprised to find young infants in a fit of jealousy.
I have to admit I’m not surprised. I’m also thinking I too, could become a brain researcher. Well, maybe not. Perhaps it’s just because I have first hand experience with two infants competing for my attention. Regardless, I can assure you that infants are capable of jealousy at a very, very young age.
Not all of the research however, is as common sense as this. Babies apparently show a wide range of emotion and feelings unbeknownst to those of us in the adult world. You will be amazed at what your baby can do, think and feel!
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