scaring. The analysis of the collected material continues, and this paper provides a partial
view of what we expect to present at the spring conference.
SIGNIFICANT BEHAVIORS
We use the following terminology to name the behaviors we focus on in our
analysis. The names are useful for making distinctions, yet they often flow into each
other. Here is an explanation of some of the terms:
A)
Cuddle-eating = A parent pretending to eat the tummy of his/her child and a child
pretending to be eaten
B) Finger-eating = A parent pretending to eat his/her child’s finger. In our study, the
child initiated this game.
C)
Peek-a-boo = A child and a parent practice hiding and being spotted which is a
practice of gaze direction detection as a criterion of being spotted.
D)
Scaring/Pretend attack = A child/parent practicing in crawling chase - mowing
away from predators, child responding to the growling "monster."
The data collected in the United States by observing a family (Guido-father,
Nancy-mother, Christina-8 year old daughter, and daughter Rachel who was filmed from
12-16 months of age) in their home in Santa Monica provide good examples of cuddle-
eating, finger-eating, peek-a-boo, and crawling-chase. During our observations, there
were several instances of cuddle-eating when the mother lifted Rachel’s dress and
pretended to eat her tummy. The older daughter in several instances joined the mother in
this activity. Rachel, enjoyed this game and laughed. There were also several examples of
Convention