Oklahoma Parents as Teachers

Eight Months Old

Language Development
*Understands key words and simple
phrases
*Combines gestrues with babbling to get
needs met
*Adds a variety of sounds and tones to
babbling
*Listens for a few minutes to nursery
rhymes and songs

Social/Emotional Development
*Enjoys giving and receiving affection from
family
*Delights in new discoveries and accomplish-
ments
*Looks to parents for praise
*Shows concern and sometimes fear when
seperated from parents
*May become anxious or afraid when approach-
ed by unfamiliar people

Intellectual Development
*Shows curiosity, with a strong
need to explore
*Begins to understand that objects
and people exist when unseen;
looks for hidden objects and toys
*Enjoys simple games
*May copy parents' actions
*Understands that own actions
cause events

Motor Development
*Can hold a toy for several minutes
*Bangs objects together
*Begins to crawl and scoot on
tummy
*Can stand while leaning against a
steady object

Other Great Tips:
*Allow your child to practice drinking from a cup with assistance.

*Watch what your baby is doing and describe it aloud as it occurs.

*Get down on the floor at your baby's level to spot safety hazards.

*Explore books together daily, naming pictures and playing with sounds.

*Begin setting limits, using safety as your guide.

Parenting Tips:

*Your baby may have a difficult time with separating from you. To hel with this transition, your child can bring a "love" object, or a picture of Mom and Dad to help through the good-byes. For more information on your child's emotional development, read Touchpoints-Your Child's Emotional and Behavioral Development by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.

Back to Newborn Page