Love and Cuddles — Showing Affection
Parent plays a warm, physical interaction game with baby to observe how baby shows affection to familiar people. Agent guides parent to notice hugs, leaning in, open-mouth kisses, and excited responses to familiar faces while keeping the interaction naturally joyful.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and baby together in a warm, comfortable setting. Another familiar person nearby is helpful but not required.
How it works
- 1~15s
Start by leaving the room for just 10 seconds — just step out and come right back. When you return, say 'your child!' with a big smile. What does your child do when they sees you come back? Tell me everything — face, arms, sounds.
Watch for: shows_excitement_at_familiar_person_return
- 2~15s
Now scoop your child up and hold them close. Say 'I love you!' and give a gentle hug. Does your child hug back? Lean into you? Put their head on your shoulder? Or try to give you an open-mouth baby kiss?
Watch for: reciprocates_physical_affection
- 3~20s
If there's another familiar person around — the other parent, a grandparent, a sibling — have them come close. Does your child show affection to them too? Or does they show a preference for certain people? Tell me how your child reacts to the other person.
Watch for: shows_differential_affection
- 4
One last thing — throughout your regular day, does your child ever start the cuddles? Like crawling to you and climbing up? Reaching for your face? Putting their head on your leg? I want to know about the affection that comes from your child, not just the affection they receives.
Watch for: initiates_affectionate_contact