Why do babies cry when parents leave?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Separation anxiety response
Trying to manipulate adults — Wrong. Babies aren't manipulative—they're expressing genuine distress. Crying is an evolutionary survival response to caregiver absence.
Learned behavior from siblings — Wrong. Separation anxiety is a universal developmental stage, not learned from others. It emerges naturally as babies develop object permanence.
Separation anxiety response ✓ — Correct! Around 6-8 months, babies develop object permanence—understanding things exist when out of sight. They realize parents can leave but don't yet understand they'll return. This triggers genuine panic (survival instinct—attachment to caregivers = survival). It's normal development, not manipulation!