Parenting: The Still-Face Experiment's VerdictWhy moments of disconnection are key to development.

Ignoring your baby for just a few minutes reveals their deep-seated need for connection. The Still-Face Experiment shows that infants are active social partners who become distressed by a parent's unresponsiveness. This isn't about achieving perfect attunement. The crucial lesson is in the 'repair'—re-engaging after small disconnects. These moments of reconnection are what build a child's emotional resilience, teaching them that relationships can weather momentary lapses.

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