Here is a cute example of spontaneous emotional expressions - the opposite of freezing.
Babies and small children have intense reactions in part because so many things are new and unexpected. Surprise amplifies all of our emotional reactions and their expression.
Notice how this baby rocks back and forth between diffferent emotions, learning what is okay and what is not okay. This baby is discovering what is dangerous and what is safe; setting expectations for a lifetime.
Oh! Thank you.
Posted by: Claudia Liliana/rasamalai | 05/20/2011 at 06:07 PM
When I wrote "rocking back and forth" I meant only to highlight how the baby goes from fear to delight with the same ease as a rocking motion. Because the baby seems to feel generally safe and is responding automatically, the baby doesn't get stuck in fear. He or she doesn't anticipate another sneeze or generalize its fear. This baby can fluidly move from one reaction to another as its perceptions and understanding change. No emotion gets frozen or masked.
Posted by: Dr. Meyer | 05/20/2011 at 09:10 AM
What does the rocking back and forth mean? :D
Posted by: Claudia Liliana/rasamalai | 05/19/2011 at 11:48 PM
I love this video!! Very interesting, and spot on.
Posted by: SarahS | 04/03/2011 at 10:36 PM
So CUTE!!
Posted by: elamap | 04/03/2011 at 07:09 PM
This is so extremely interesting!
Posted by: Elsita :) | 04/01/2011 at 02:52 PM
The baby also has what most adults have lost - trust and innocence which allows them to have spontaneous responses to stimuli. They are not worried about what anyone thinks about them at this age!! So they can just be as they are. That is what make them so cute and endearing.
Posted by: Marilyn Jacobs | 03/31/2011 at 08:10 PM