The Magic of Everyday Moments (9-12 Months)
Remember, everyday moments are rich bonding and learning opportunities. Enjoy the magic of these moments with your child.
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At 9 months, babies have their own ideas about themselves and the world. They are masters at asserting themselves in all sorts of ways, both charming (finding you in another room and pulling himself up on your leg to give you a big hug) and frustrating (throwing food he doesn’t care for off the highchair or refusing to lie down for a diaper change). You might hand him a toy only to have him fling it to the floor and scream. He doesn’t want that toy… he wants the other one! And if you can’t read his mind and give him that desired toy, he’ll just continue to complain and protest until he gets his hands on what he does want. Thankfully, at 9 months, babies are mastering the idea that things that they can’t see still exist, so he’ll soon be able to find what he’s looking for himself.
Your easygoing little guy is emerging as a very intense and powerful force. This requires a real adjustment on your part; just as your baby is developing new skills by leaps and bounds, it seems you need a whole new set of strategies to parent this very strong individual. It’s no wonder you’re still so tired, even though your baby may finally be sleeping through the night. You needn’t feel guilty that you find yourself eager to tuck him in at the end of the day so you can have some time to yourself. But when you’re at your wit’s end, remember, this self assertion—often called willfulness—is really not a bad thing! When you think about the abilities you want your child to have as he grows, knowing what he wants and going for it is key to his success.