Five-Month-Old Derek Is Now Able To…

Five-month-old Derek is now able to recognize familiar faces, understand his parents’ words, and respond to simple commands like “wave bye-bye.” While many parents may be surprised at their babies’ level of cognitive development at this young age, these skills are just the beginning of what Derek will undoubtedly continue to learn and master.

Facial Recognition

At five-months-old, Derek is capable of recognizing his parents’ faces and may even display signs of contentment in their presence. He may even recognize other consistently present individuals in his life such as close family members or caretakers. This is a critical part of the forming of his attachment to these important people. His mimicry of facial expressions will also grow more and more advanced as he gets older.

Communication and Response

Though Derek may not yet be able to use language to communicate, he is able to understand certain words and phrases. For instance, when his parents say, “Wave bye-bye,” Derek is able to understand and copy their behavior. He is also capable of responding to quiet commands like, “Give Mommy a kiss,” by pausing and leaning in for a kiss. These little moments of communication are precious, and a tremendous source of pride and joy for Derek’s parents.

Building a Bond

Derek’s early recognition of familiar people and his ability to respond to simple commands helps to build a bond between him and the important people in his life. By the time he reaches his first birthday, Derek’s understanding of his parents’ words and his ability to respond to them will no doubt have grown significantly.

Conclusion

At five-months-old, Derek is able to recognize familiar faces, understand his parents’ words, and respond to simple commands. These are all important building blocks for Derek’s cognitive development as he continues to learn and grow. For Derek’s parents, the recognition of facial expressions and the understanding of simple commands are a treasured part of their bond with their son.