Adult caregivers' responses to babies play a crucial role in how they perceive themselves. Responsive care that takes into consideration babies' needs and interests creates a positive sense of self. When babies have nurturing and warm relationships with regular caregivers, they develop a more positive sense of self.1- Lally, J. R., & Mangione, P. (2006). The uniqueness of infancy demands a responsive approach to care. Young Children, 61(4), 14–20.
This will ensure that babies will relate to people in a more socially secure manner.2- McMullen, M. B., & Dixon, S. (2009). In support of a relationship-based approach to practice with infants and toddlers in the United States. In Brownlee, J. (Ed.). Participatory learning and the early years (pp. 109-128). London: Routledge.
Self-awareness develops in tandem with language skills.
The ability to cooperate with peers and become a true social partner develops over the second and third years of life, corresponding with growing social understanding.3- Brownell, C. A., Ramani, G. B., & Zerwas, S. (2006). Becoming a social partner with peers: Cooperation and social understanding in one- and two-year-olds. Child Development, 77(4), 803–821
