My 1 year 4 month toddler prefer me only over other family members, which i realy like but i want to know that is it ok for her developmentally?

Question

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's quite normal for a 16-month-old baby to display a preference for one parent, often the mother. This behavior is commonly referred to as "stranger anxiety" or "parental preference." It is a normal part of a child's social and emotional development and typically emerges during the first few years of life.

Several factors contribute to a child's preference for one parent:

1. **Attachment:** The primary caregiver, often the mother, is usually the person with whom the child has formed a strong attachment. This attachment is a natural and healthy part of emotional development.

2. **Familiarity:** Young children may feel more comfortable and secure with the parent they are most familiar with, especially in new or unfamiliar situations.

3. **Developmental Stage:** Stranger anxiety tends to peak around 6 to 18 months of age as children become more aware of their surroundings and develop a sense of individuality.

4. **Temporary Phase:** Parental preference is often a phase that tends to diminish as the child grows older and becomes more accustomed to interacting with a variety of people.

While this behavior is normal, there are ways to encourage bonding with the other parent or caregivers:

1. **Shared Activities:** Encourage the less-preferred parent to engage in enjoyable and interactive activities with the child.

2. **Consistency:** Maintain consistency in caregiving routines and ensure that both parents are actively involved in the child's daily care.

3. **Gradual Introduction:** If the child is hesitant around the less-preferred parent, encourage gradual introductions, and allow the child to become more familiar and comfortable over time.

4. **Positive Reinforcement:** Encourage positive interactions between the child and the less-preferred parent, and provide positive reinforcement when the child engages with them.

Remember, it's normal for preferences to shift over time, and the child's relationship with both parents will evolve. If concerns persist or if there are challenges in the parent-child relationship, seeking guidance from a pediatrician or a child development specialist can be helpful.