During Mahler's Practicing stage (9-14 months), what behavior is typical?

During Mahler's Practicing stage (9-14 months), what behavior is typical?

• A. Walking more actively and playing
• B. Complete separation from mother
• C. Loss of contact with caregiver
• D. Immediate object constancy

Answer: (A)

In this Practicing stage, the focus is on rising mobility and exploration, with the caregiver serving as a secure base. The child is more active, often walking or cruising, and will play away from the mother while frequently returning for reassurance. This combination—new locomotion plus a continued dependent relationship—best fits the period when the child tests independence but still relies on the caregiver for safety and continuity. The other options imply full separation or disengagement that isn’t typical at this stage, or a cognitive milestone (immediate object constancy) that isn’t the hallmark of this phase.

In this Practicing stage, the focus is on rising mobility and exploration, with the caregiver serving as a secure base. The child is more active, often walking or cruising, and will play away from the mother while frequently returning for reassurance. This combination—new locomotion plus a continued dependent relationship—best fits the period when the child tests independence but still relies on the caregiver for safety and continuity. The other options imply full separation or disengagement that isn’t typical at this stage, or a cognitive milestone (immediate object constancy) that isn’t the hallmark of this phase.