Around 3 to 10 months of age, your baby will be able to communicate what he wants, and he might become a little bossy in the process. Even babies like to be in charge now and then. This means that sometimes your love bug might get angry when you want to be in control. Don’t take this anger personally. Your baby has simply learned how to get your attention, and he wants to continue asserting himself.
To avoid power struggles, let your baby take control during playtime. Giving your child the respect and admiration she is looking for by letting her be the leader during floor time is easy. For example, if your baby wants to bang a toy, let her know that you think banging a toy is fun too. Catch your baby’s eye and note with enthusiasm, “What a fun game! Listen to that noise!” You can even give your baby cues that she is provoking different responses from you. You can cover your ears and still smile when the clatter is painful, and you can smile and rock to the sounds when they are pleasing and rhythmic. Noisy, happy baby will see by your gestures that her differing initiatives, intentions, and propositions provoke different responses from you.
When parents let their babies take control during floor time together, they recognize and acknowledge their preferences and give the message that their sons and daughters are respected, valued, and important. Acknowledging and respecting babies reduces their need to struggle for power.
Even babies like to be the boss at times, so let them be in charge during playtime.