This Is What Your Child’s Body Language Actually Means

By molly atherton 10 months ago
Welcome to the non-verbal world of your child! Have you ever found yourself in a head-scratching moment, trying to decipher what exactly your little one's eye roll, crossed arms, or foot tapping really mean? Fear not, because in this article, we're diving headfirst into the mysterious realm of your child's body language. From the subtle eye twitches to the grandiose hand gestures, get ready to decode the secret signals your child's body is sending you.

1. The W Sit

Ah, the infamous W sit—a favored stance among the pint-sized population! Between the tender ages of 3 and 6, many kids find themselves irresistibly drawn to this peculiar pose. Picture this: a little one comfortably planted on the ground, their legs forming a perfect W shape as if they're ready to launch into a secret adventure.W sit positionimage source: joyin.idMany children opt to sit in this curious W formation when they're young - generally between the ages of 3 and 6. Compared to sitting cross-legged or in other formations, the W sit requires less muscle activation, so to put it simply, it just feels easier! Continuous W sitting could also suggest that your child has a hip abnormality, with a preference for hip internal rotation rather than external rotation.Original content sourced from Femanin.com

2. Flapping Their Arms

Arm flapping has become a key identifier of whether your child has autism. However, there could be other reasons for your child choosing to shake his arms, so it's not always necessary to make a doctor's appointment straight away.flapping armsimage source: certifiedautismcenter.comFor example, they may be literally shaking with excitement or with other intense emotions like anger, sadness, or happiness. If you're worried about it, make notes on when your child flaps their arms and look for connections with environments or emotions.

3. Tugging On Your Arm

Ah, the incessant arm tug-of-war! It’s a scenario that even royals like Princess Kate can’t escape. Imagine this: you’re in the midst of a bustling event, and your little one has transformed into a determined arm-pulling machine. It’s enough to test the patience of even the most composed parents!child pulling armimage source: pagesix.comEven Princess Kate herself gets frustrated with this habit! It can be a nightmare when your kid won't stop pulling your arm - but they're doing it for a reason. Your kid might be pulling your arm to literally get your attention as they feel uncomfortable in a particular situation.

4. Burying Their Face in Your Legs

Ah, the tender age of 4 to 6, where words start to paint the canvas of emotions, yet sometimes, the language of fear or anxiety remains elusive. Picture this heart-tugging scene: your little one, seemingly caught in a whirlwind of emotions, suddenly latches onto your leg like a koala to a tree trunk, burying their tiny face in it.Kid grabbing legimage source: grahamhurdlaw.comChildren between 4 and 6 will generally have developed some language to express their emotions and thoughts. However, when they're scared or anxious, they may not be able to express this accurately to you. As a result, they may grab your leg (or both of them!) and bury their face in it. This is a sign that they're not feeling too good, so try not to dismiss them - they're looking for reassurance.

5. Arching Their Back

Ah, the enchanting world of babies—a realm where every little movement sparks both wonder and worry in equal measure. So, picture this: your precious bundle of joy suddenly transforms into a graceful archer, curving their tiny back as if preparing for a gymnastic feat.baby arching backimage source: community.babycenter.comIt's very common for babies to arch their back, either in sleep or while awake. However, if this is the first time you're seeing this kind of body language, it can be worrying. In most cases, though, arching their back just means that your baby is restless, tired, or overstimulated. They may also just be passing wind!

6. Reaching For You

Absolutely, when those tiny arms stretch out toward you, it’s more than just a cute gesture; it’s a heartfelt message from your little one. Babies have their unique lexicon of communication, and reaching out is their version of signaling their needs and emotions.separation anxietyimage source: reddit.comReaching for you is just one way that babies are expressing some of their wants and desires. In this case, they may just want to be carried at that moment. Or, if they're feeling anxious or fearful, they'll likely turn to someone they know and love to give them comfort and reassurance.

7. Avoiding Eye Contact

Avoiding eye contact is generally seen as a stereotypical sign of lying in adults, but it's unlikely that your baby or toddler is this adept yet! If you notice your child avoiding eye contact often - for example, every time you call their name...baby watching tvimage source: vmcdna.ca... or even every time you hold them close - it may actually be a sign of autism. If this comes with other autism symptoms (not responding to their name or repetitive movements), it might be best to get it checked out and see what's causing it.

8. Sucking Their Fingers

The timeless spectacle of baby thumbs—tiny, pudgy digits that find their way into cherubic mouths with remarkable consistency. It's a universal image, one that often paints a portrait of comfort and self-soothing. But what happens when this innocent act takes a turn, and those adorable thumbs become the unwitting accomplices in the creation of tiny blisters?baby sucking fingersimage source: wikimedia.orgEveryone knows that children suck their fingers, particularly their thumbs. In fact, sometimes babies can suck them so much that they develop blisters! This common piece of body language doesn't disguise anything too complex - your baby is probably just tired and trying to soothe themselves to get to sleep.

9. Making Sucking Noises

Ah, the delightful symphony of baby sounds—the coos, gurgles, and the occasional symphony of adorable noises that could rival a tiny orchestra. Amidst this cacophony, there’s one particular tune that stands out: the rhythmic soundtrack of sucking noises. While not all baby noises hold a deep secret code, these sounds often come with a crystal-clear message: "I'm hungry, folks!"baby making noisesimage source: mumsnet.comBabies can make all sorts of strange noises, and not all of them will have any conscious meaning behind them. However, if your baby is making sucking noises throughout the day, it's a surefire sign that they're just hungry. They might make this even clearer by turning to your breast at the same time!

10. Hands Reaching Out To You

The curious world of baby exploration—an adventure that unfolds with each reaching hand, each eager gaze, and each delightful coo. In this vibrant realm of discovery, every movement is a tiny step toward understanding the wonders of the world.baby reachingimage source: facebook.comBabies are always exploring the world around them - reaching out, reacting to sounds, and taking everything in. If your baby reaches out to you specifically, it's probably a sign that they just want to hang out. Grab their favorite toy and get ready for some play mat time!

11. Closing Their Eyes Tightly

In the intricate symphony of baby cues and gestures, decoding their emotions can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth of subtleties. Amidst the giggles and gurgles, there’s one silent signal that requires utmost attention: tightly clenched shut eyes.baby shutting eyesimage source: reddit.comBabies have very few ways of expressing the myriad of emotions they're probably feeling day-to-day. One piece of body language that you should keep a careful eye out for is tightly clenched shut eyes. This could mean that your baby is in pain and may appear alongside furrowed brows or clenched fists.

12. Constantly Kicking

Ah, the tiny yet powerful phenomenon of baby kicks—a delightful reminder of their burgeoning energy and the occasional challenge in the art of diaper changing or dressing. Those miniature kicks might seem like mere random limb flailing, but in the intricate language of baby communication, they often convey a tale of their own.baby kicking feetimage source: pathways.orgBaby kicks are something else. Though small, they're especially mighty and can be so annoying when you're trying to clothe or change them! But baby kicks can also carry meaning. If your little one seems pretty happy, it's probably a sign that they want to play. If they're being fussy and sniffly, they're probably annoyed by something - so give them a check to see what's up.

13. Head Banging

Picture this scenario: your precious child, in a puzzling act, rhythmically tapping their head against a surface or even their crib. It’s a sight that might instantly trigger concern, but understanding the nuances behind this behavior can unveil a narrative of its own.baby head bangingimage source: sunnydays.comIt can be so upsetting to see your kid's head banging. However, there's probably a good reason they're doing this to themselves. It could be a way of self-soothing without needing their parent or a way to release frustration with something that they're doing. Your baby might head bang to distract themselves from the pain from an ear infection or teething.

14. Grabbing Their Ears

Babies and their newfound discoveries—the world becomes a canvas of exploration, and even the smallest body parts hold endless fascination. Imagine this endearing scene: your little one, tiny fingers reaching out to explore their own ears, perhaps with an intrigued expression that mirrors the delight of uncovering a newfound treasure.baby pulling earimage source: dailystar.co.ukOkay, so generally, babies won't grab a complete stranger's ear - but they might grab their own. This is often seen as a sign of an ear infection - especially when coupled with other symptoms like trouble sleeping. If your baby seems happy and healthy, though, grabbing their ear might just be a sign that they've discovered they have ears and are excited by that!

15. Clenched Fists

Absolutely, the sight of those tiny, tightly clenched fists is a hallmark of newborns—a natural posture that often goes hand in hand (pun intended!) with their early developmental stages. These little bundles of joy often keep their hands in a firm grip, an instinctive reflex that's both adorable and quite typical in the baby world.baby clenching fistsimage source: reddit.comMost newborns will hold their hands in fists almost all the time. Open hands require different muscles and brain development that they're just not ready for yet. However, sometimes those clenched fists could be hiding another problem. If your baby is tense all over, including hard, clenched fists, they might be hungry.

16. Scrunched-Up Knees

Indeed, the mysterious and fascinating world of baby body language often unfolds in ways that mirror some of our very own tried-and-tested techniques, like yoga poses. Among these tiny movements, there’s one particular gesture that might seem surprisingly familiar to yoga enthusiasts—the scrunching up of their little knees.baby cryingimage source: reddit.comIf you've ever done yoga, you'll know that those clenched-up knees are very similar to relief positions like child's pose, down-dog, or happy baby. Basically, when your baby scrunches up their knees, they're probably trying to find relief from abdominal discomfort - just like those adult yoga moves can provide.

17. Arm Jerks

Ah, the unpredictable ballet of baby arm jerks—a performance that often catches everyone off guard, especially during those crucial moments like mealtime or the bedtime tango. These sudden, seemingly out-of-the-blue arm movements might leave you puzzled, but fear not, they have a story of their own.baby arm jerksimage source: reddit.comLike kicking their legs, your baby's arm jerks can really come out of nowhere (to the utmost frustration, usually when they've got a spoonful of food in their hand or when you're trying to get them to bed.) These reflexes usually happen when your baby is startled by something - a bright light, noise, or something else in their environment.

18. Hiding From You

Ah, the adorable game of hide-and-seek, where innocence and mischief intertwine in the most endearing ways. Yet, amidst the laughter and the delightful absurdity of finding your child squeezed into the most improbable hiding spots, there might be a hidden narrative behind this playful behavior—a secret waiting to be unraveled.baby hidingimage source: buzzfeed.comIt can be pretty cute to see your kid hiding from you in the most ridiculous hiding places - but this weird piece of body language can mean your child is hiding a little secret. Usually, when your child gets the urge to hide, it's because they've done something they feel guilty or ashamed about. So, try to act calm and reassure them - it'll help them open up and talk.

19. Crossed Arms

The crossed arms of a toddler can hold a world of meanings within their tiny embrace. It’s a gesture that might seem innocuous at first glance, but it can unveil a story of their emotional landscape and inner world. Imagine your little one, their arms forming a protective barrier across their chest...baby crossed armsimage source: dailymail.co.ukIt can be quite common for your toddler to cross their arms, and it could mean nothing more than they feel reassured holding their arms to their body like that. But it can also mean that your child is feeling uneasy about something. Are they in a new situation that maybe they're not sure about? Have they recently got a new toy that maybe they don't like? Try to figure out what is making them uneasy.

20. Pulls Shirt Over Head

The playful exploration of clothing is a delightful hallmark of toddlerhood—a world where every fabric becomes a canvas for discovery and amusement. Yet, in the midst of this sartorial adventure, there’s a unique behavior that often emerges when toddlers encounter someone unfamiliar for the first time—a subtle retreat into their clothing.baby pulling tshirtimage source: pinterest.comA lot of toddlers love to play with clothing - either their own or yours. But this action is often seen in a situation where they're meeting someone new for the first time. They'll begin to pull their own shirt over their head, in effect hiding. This is a really natural reaction to seeing a stranger for the first time - especially if that new person is acting like they know your child already!

21. Runs Away From You

The exhilarating era when toddlers unlock the superpower of running—transforming into tiny speedsters, zipping through the world with boundless energy and newfound freedom. Yet, within this sprinting symphony, there’s a unique chapter that unfolds when your little speedster dashes away, especially when you approach.kid running awayimage source: pinterest.comGod help us once a toddler learns to run. Suddenly, they're off like a rocket at every opportunity! But if your toddler specifically runs away from you when you approach them, it probably just means that they want to play on their own for a little while. As your child becomes more independent, it's important to give them this time on their own.

22. Eye Rubbing

The journey of a baby navigating this vast and wondrous world is nothing short of a breathtaking adventure. Yet, amidst this captivating exploration, there come moments when the sheer magnitude of new experiences can indeed become overwhelming for these little adventurers.baby rubbing eyesimage source: momjunction.comIt's really overwhelming to be a baby. Every experience in the universe is entirely new to you, and all that can make you really tired. if you see your baby rubbing their eyes, chances are it just means that they're signalling to you that they're tired of the world and need a nap.

23. Breathing Quickly

Sometimes, when we notice our child's breathing becoming rapid or irregular, the natural reaction is often concern or worry. However, it’s essential to observe the broader context and their overall behavior to understand the true cause behind these quick breaths.baby breathingimage source: tinyhearts.comRespiratory issues can affect any kid, so it's natural that, as a parent, you're always on the lookout for them. If your child is breathing very erratically or quickly, your first thought is probably going to be something bad, but look closer. Are they content, making eye contact, and smiling? Then they're probably just really excited to play with you!

24. Screaming

The symphony of a child’s vocal expressions often encompasses more than just tears and cries. Enter the delightful world of squeals—a joyful, high-pitched melody that might seem unexpected but holds its own unique meaning in the lexicon of baby language.baby screamingimage source: knowyourmeme.comScreaming generally appears with crying, but not always. If your kid is squealing, but there's no sign of tears, then it probably just means they're trying to express glee and happiness with you. With no words available to them, screaming or squealing is the easiest way to communicate!

25. Gazing At You

The loving gaze of a child holds a universe of emotions and intentions within its tender embrace. When your little one fixes their gaze upon you, it’s akin to a heartfelt conversation without words—a silent yet profound exchange seeking connection and engagement.baby stareimage source: buzzfeed.comWe've already spoken about breaking eye contact, but what if your child is lovingly gazing at you? This probably just means that they want your attention. If they're smiling at the same time, then they probably want to play, but maybe they just want a cuddle or for you to gaze back at them too.

26. Keeping Arms and Legs Close to Their Chest

Indeed, the sight of a baby curling their tiny limbs close to their chest might initially seem like an adorable gesture, yet it can also signal a deeper narrative—one that hints at the possibility of discomfort or pain.baby keeping legs in airimage source: whattoexpect.comCurling their arms and legs into their chest is another classic baby maneuver, but this can also be a sign of something more serious. Even if your baby isn't crying, they may actually be in pain. Keeping their arms and legs close is a self-soothing mechanism, a way to distract from any pain.

27. Turning Their Head Away From You

Babies, just like us, have their limits when it comes to attention and engagement. Sometimes, amidst a play session, you might notice your little one’s cues shifting—they start turning away, squirming, or displaying signs of restlessness. These are subtle yet significant indications that they might need a change of pace.image source: dailymail.co.ukSo, your baby has been fine playing with you for a long while, but now they're frequently turning from you and squirming as you try to play with a toy. Simply put, they need a break! They're probably bored or disinterested in their current activity, so try doing something else. If they're giving you classic 'sleepy' body language, then put them down for a nap.

28. Hands Touching Their Face

The journey of self-discovery for babies encompasses a delightful exploration of their own faces—a captivating discovery of those tiny features that shape their budding identity. When your little one starts touching their face, it’s more than just a random exploration; it can often be their way of communicating with you and expressing their desire for interaction and play.baby touching faceimage source: wechope.orgBabies are really curious - they love exploring the world and discovering new things, and that includes their own faces. As they get used to themselves, they'll probably touch their eyes, nose, and ears, but touching their face could have a different meaning. In fact, they may be trying to get your attention and telling you they want to play!

29. Yawning Frequently

Yawning, often associated with tiredness or drowsiness, can also reveal subtle cues about a baby's level of stimulation. When your little one starts yawning, it might not necessarily signify immediate fatigue but can indeed hint at an overload of sensory input or overstimulation.baby yawningimage source: twitter.comYawning isn't just a classic sign of tiredness. Sometimes, when your baby yawns, it could mean they're getting a little too overstimulated. Whether that means there are too many people, loud noises, or too many toys, try to calm them down by changing what you're doing and putting them in a new environment.

30. Frowning

Babies have a unique way of communicating their discomfort or distress, often relying on non-verbal cues to express their needs. Among these cues, facial expressions, such as frowning, play a significant role in conveying their feelings, even without words.baby frowningimage source: pinterest.comIt's really hard for your baby to communicate that they're not feeling too good without words. So, they might not even cry but use their face to try to get your attention. One of these body language cues is frowning, which probably means that they're distressed and need help with something.

31. They Have A Tell When They Lie

It's true, children can sometimes venture into the world of fibs and tales, exploring their boundaries and testing their ability to navigate social interactions. When they attempt to bend the truth, their body language can indeed offer subtle hints or "tells" that might signal their attempt at deception.
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Kids are going to lie, there's no doubt about that. No mommy, I didn't knock over that priceless vase. No, I didn't eat that thing I wasn't supposed to. A good way to catch on is to start paying attention to your child's body language when they do lie, so that you can catch on to any tells they might have - gestures or body movements.

32. They're Acting Restless

Restlessness and fidgeting can indeed be telltale signs that your child is experiencing discomfort or internal conflict. It’s a behavior that often emerges when they’re navigating a situation that makes them uneasy, whether it’s physical discomfort or an internal struggle related to communication.
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When your child is fidgeting about and acting restless - which will probably be a lot of the time, let's be honest - it could be a sign that they're uncomfortable and they may also be trying to decide if they're going to tell you about it, or stay silent, if they're at an age with they can communicate verbally.

33. Pay Special Attention During The 7-9 Year Age Bracket!

Children in this age range tend to be incredibly perceptive and impressionable, absorbing information from their surroundings like little sponges. They're more attuned to the behaviors and body language of people around them, including strangers, and can pick up on subtle cues.
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During this particular age bracket in a child's life, they can be more influenced by what's going on around them, and especially people they don't know that well, like strangers in the street. This is when they're more likely to pick up on negative body language or traits that they see in others, so look out for negative body language.

34. Uncrossed Arms

Open body language in children, characterized by uncrossed arms and relaxed hands, often accompanies a sense of ease and contentment. When a child assumes this relaxed posture, it typically indicates a state of comfort and relaxation in their current environment or activity.Image source: popsugar.comHaving arms uncrossed and their hands in an open position can be a positive body language sign for a child. Especially coupled with relaxed breathing where they're not breathing heavily, loudly or quickly, this can be a sign your child is content and relaxed in what they're doing, and not worked up.

35. They Have Intense Eye Contact

Eye contact in children during conversations can reveal a lot about their engagement and interest. Contrary to the discomfort adults might feel with prolonged eye contact, when a child maintains consistent eye contact, it often signifies a high level of interest and engagement in the interaction.
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As adults, we usually feel uncomfortable when someone is giving too much eye contact in a conversation. If you're getting a lot of eye contact from a child, it can be a good thing, though - it shows that they're very interested in you, or what you're saying. They might also glance away every now and again only to continue bringing their eyes back to you.

36. They're Nodding A Lot

Nodding during conversations or activities is often a positive and encouraging sign in children. When a child nods, it typically indicates their engagement, understanding, and agreement with the ongoing conversation or activity.
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As we know, nodding is a good thing when it's a sign of agreement and understanding, so if your child's doing it - in the middle of conversations or activities - then it's a sign that they're very interested in what you're doing together and they are happy about it. They might also nod in general if they've seen other people do it.

37. They're Keeping Their Distance

Children’s behaviors, including their levels of clinginess or desire for distance, often communicate their feelings and needs. While some children seek closeness and comfort through physical closeness and cuddles, others may exhibit a desire for distance or show disinterest in an activity or interaction.
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Children can be very clingy, whether they're in a happy mood and want a cuddle or they're having a tantrum and clinging/pulling on you. But if they're keeping their distance and refusing to venture any closer, it could be a sign they've lost interest in you or what you're doing, and something might have distracted them.

38. They're Leaning Very Close

When a child leans in close during conversations or activities, it often signals a high level of engagement and interest in the interaction. This close proximity indicates a sense of connection and comfort, portraying a desire to be fully engaged and involved in the moment.
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Alternatively, if your child is definitely not keeping their distance, and instead they're leaning very close when you're talking to them or doing an activity with them, it's a sign that they're highly interested in what you're doing or what's going on. There's a barrier that's been broken and they feel more comfortable leaning in.

39. They're Smiling

A child’s smile is an unequivocal expression of joy, contentment, and acceptance. When a child smiles, it’s a heartwarming indication that they are experiencing happiness and approval with the situation, the interaction, or the person they are engaging with.
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This one doesn't need much explaining, but it's always nice to know that when your child smiles it means exactly what you think it does! If your child smiles, they're very accepting of whatever it is you're doing and they're happy with it. It's a warm gesture and it's definitely a positive one! Even without a laugh.

40. They're Leaning Away

When a child consistently leans back or twists away when someone reaches out to them or attempts physical contact, it can indeed signal their discomfort or disapproval of the interaction or the person involved.
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Do they instantly lean back when you reach out to them, or go to touch them? Do they not only lean their body back, but also tilt and twist their head back as though trying to escape from you? It's a sign they're not happy and may not even like the person that's reaching out to them. If they do it all the time to the same person, it's more likely they don't like that person.

41. They Keep Interrupting

Children are in the process of learning conversational dynamics and taking turns when speaking, and their behavior during a conversation can indicate various emotions or levels of comfort. Consistent interruptions, talking over someone, or repeatedly opening and closing their mouth while someone else is speaking can indeed signal irritability or discomfort.
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Children are still learning about the give and take of a conversation, but if they're constantly interrupting and talking over you, or even opening and closing their mouth when you're speaking as though they want to talk or are waiting to talk, it can be a sign they're irritable or they're not happy about you talking!

42. Their Body Is Tense

A child tensing their body or showing resistance when being held or touched can indeed be a subtle yet significant indication of their discomfort or unwillingness to engage in that particular interaction. When a child reacts by tensing up or becoming rigid when being held or touched, it could signal that they are not comfortable or receptive to the physical contact at that moment.
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You may only notice this when you hold them or pick them up, as it might not be obvious when you're only looking at them. If they tense their body when you touch them, like lock their limbs in place or stay film instead of moving a lot, it can be an indication they're not open to what's happening right now.

43. Leaning On Their Chin

When children adopt a posture like resting their hand or elbow on their chin, it can often indicate a form of disengagement or boredom with the current activity or situation. This body language, mirroring the gesture of an adult feeling disinterested or contemplative, might suggest that the child is experiencing a lack of engagement or interest.
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As adults, we know we're likely to do this on our desks when we're bored at work, but children can actually learn about it quite soon, too. If you child is leaning their elbow or hand on their chin, it could be a sign that they're feeling bored and restless, or not interested in what they're doing in that moment.

44. Narrowing Their Eyes

Narrowed or squinted eyes, resembling a scowl, can indeed convey negative emotions or dissatisfaction in children's facial expressions. This particular facial expression, often characterized by a narrowed gaze or squinting, might indicate discomfort, displeasure, or disapproval.
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This can be a big sign of a negative facial expression to watch out for. This doesn't mean when your child's eyes are half closed because they're dozing off to sleep - it's more when they narrow their eyes like a scowl if they're looking at you, or even if they're just staring across the room. It can be a sign they don't like something.

45. They're Constantly Distracted

Continuous distraction despite attempts to engage a child in various activities or even their favorite show can indeed indicate underlying restlessness, anxiety, or a sense of being unsettled. When a child consistently demonstrates a lack of focus or attention, irrespective of the activities or stimuli provided, it might be a sign of inner restlessness or unease.
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It doesn't take much to distract a child most of the time, but you'd hope there would be one activity which would keep them focused for a while, like watching their favorite show on television. But if they're always distracted no matter what you do, say or put in front of them, it can be a sign they're anxious, restless or fickle.

46. They Copy Your Gestures

Children are highly observant and often mimic the behaviors, gestures, and expressions they see in adults or those around them. They learn by imitating the actions and mannerisms they observe in their caregivers or significant adults in their lives.
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A lot of your child's body language may actually be things you do all the time, like gestures with your hands or certain expressions. This just means that they're paying a lot of attention to you, and copying what you do. It's a good thing - but also a reason you should always be wary of the gestures you're doing around a child!

47. They're Pointing

Pointing is a crucial early form of communication and a significant milestone in a child's development. When a young child points, it's often a way for them to express their needs, desires, or draw attention to something they find interesting or important.
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For young children who haven't yet learned to talk properly, pointing is a key form of communication and development. Pointing means they're trying to tell you something, or ask for something, and also if they get the right response after they're pointed, they feel like they've accomplished something which can be positive reinforcement for them.

48. They're Grunting A Lot

Non-verbal vocalizations such as grunts, babbling, or making noises play a significant role in a young child's early communication efforts before they have fully developed verbal skills. For children who are still in the process of learning to talk or haven't fully developed their language abilities, these vocalizations serve as a form of communication.
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Similar to pointing, this can be a key form of communication for a child who can't talk properly yet. As adults, we mostly grunt when we're annoyed about something or can't be bothered speaking, but for a child, it's a key way of forming noises when they're trying to tell you something, or get a certain response.

49. Their Eyes Are Roving All Over Your Face

When a child gazes intently or moves their eyes all over someone's face, it's a positive sign of their curiosity, engagement, and eagerness to learn. Children are incredibly observant, and their fascination with facial expressions and movements is a fundamental part of their learning process.
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Is there anything that can make a person more uncomfortable than another person's eyes moving all over your face? And you suddenly think you've got dirt on your cheek or something on your forehead. But when a child does it, it's a good thing. If they're moving their eyes all over your face, it's because they're taking in every expression and movement to learn from it - and it shows they're interested!

50. They Stomp Their Feet

Stomping can indeed be a behavior that accompanies both positive and negative emotions in children, and understanding the context and accompanying expressions is crucial in deciphering its meaning. When a child stomps their feet with positive expressions and gestures, such as smiling, laughing, or showing excitement, it often indicates a form of joyful or exuberant behavior.
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This one is pretty universal and you know when your child is having a tantrum if they stomp their feet! Though it's important to also pay attention to everything else going on, as your child might have positive expressions and gestures while they stomp which could mean they're just being excited or jumping about - stomping with negative expression is more in line with a tantrum!