Lesson 011 of 300
Learn that smiles often communicate happiness, welcome, affection, recognition, or playful connection.
Help the baby recognize a smile as one facial expression that often communicates happiness, affection, recognition, friendliness, or play. Do not teach that a child must smile on command or that every smile proves a person is trustworthy.
"Look at this smile. A smile happens when the mouth and cheeks change shape. A smile often shows happiness, welcome, affection, or playful connection. You may smile when you see a familiar person. You may smile during a gentle game. Someone may smile when saying hello. People do not smile all the time, and that is all right. Calm, sad, tired, and thoughtful faces are normal too. You never have to smile just because someone asks. A real smile may come when you feel comfortable and happy. A smile can share a happy feeling." DESIGN REQUIREMENTS: Use natural expressions and avoid exaggerated grin animations. Do not award points for smiling or request camera access to detect a smile.
Pause, point, name what you notice, and connect the idea to something familiar in your child's day. Repetition, a calm voice, shared attention and dependable care matter more than finishing quickly.