They're Watching Your Face
Long before kids can reason things out, they check a trusted adult's expression to decide how to feel about something new or unclear — a pattern developmental researchers call social referencing, described by Psychology Today. A toddler meeting a dog, a new food, or an unfamiliar cousin looks to you first. Your face isn't just a reaction — it's information they're using to build an opinion.
Try this
Pause Before You React
Try noticing your own face in the split second before your child looks up at it — a raised eyebrow or quick wince can become their whole opinion of a new food or a new friend.
Narrate Instead of React
Some families try saying what they see out loud — "that's a big dog, it's licking its paw" — instead of just reacting with a face.
So how much should we actually manage our own expressions around them?
How much do you manage your own face/reactions around your child?
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