278 Unit 3 Infancy Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. the same children as teens. High-reactive infants react to anything new with caution and can easily become physically agitated and distressed. Low-reactive infants tend to be sociable and bold (trying new challenges). High-reactive (formerly called diffi cult) infants are irregular in their habits. They may withdraw or protest—even scream—when facing new situations. High-reactive infants often have a rough start, which may cause parents increased feelings of anxiety. Low-reactive (formerly called easy) infants are cheerful, have regular habits, such as eating and sleeping, and respond quickly to a new situation. Low-reactive infants usually get off to a good start with their parents. Through his studies, Kagan found the fol- lowing parenting behaviors (environmental fac- tors) negatively infl uence high-reactive children’s temperaments: • Inadequate soothing. High-reactive children need parents who help them calm down and regulate their emotions. Without help, these children become more reactive. • Alarmist behavior. Parents who are alarmist see dangers everywhere. Infants can sense parents’ feelings of anxiety and become anxious themselves. • Intrusive behavior. Parents who are intrusive (controlling) become overprotective. These children may have diffi culty developing their own coping skills. Kagan’s research showed that no high-reactive child later became a low-reactive child. Parents can effect a compromise, however, by working on their high-reactive child’s temperament. Good, consistent care of high-reactive babies may make them happier (Figure 10.2). Easing these children into new situations and alerting them to upcoming changes are also helpful. As children get older, parents can even rehearse certain expectations with them. Social Relations Social refers to a relationship between two or more people. Social development in the fi rst year is shaped by how other people affect the baby and how the baby affects other people. By the end of the fi rst year, social development is well underway. This section will focus on social relations in the fi rst year that involve interacting with others and showing attachment. Interacting with Others Human relationships are the building blocks of healthy development. Babies are born with tools for social development. At birth, newborns can turn their heads in the direction of the human voice. They move their arms in rhythm of human speech. They like to look at people’s faces. Positive interactions between babies and their caregivers are sometimes called “serve and return,” like the game of tennis. Babies understand social messages by the way others talk to, look at, or hold them. Babies send signals to others through their cries, coos, and smiles. These “serve and return” Figure 10.2 Supportive care of high-reactive babies includes extra holding, cuddling, and soothing. Were you a low-reactive or high-reactive baby? Explain.