The mother of a 7-month-old child wants to help the child develop self-efficacy and a sense of competency. Which activity will best accomplish this goal?

• A. Having the child call family members by their names
• B. Providing toys that react to the child's touch
• C. Smiling and singing to the child while the child is being held
• D. Monitoring excessive stress and overstimulation

Answer: (B)

To build a sense of competence and self-efficacy, emphasize experiences where the child can influence the world and see the results of their actions. Toys that react to touch give immediate cause-and-effect feedback: when the child presses or explores, a response occurs (sounds, lights, movement). This helps the infant learn that their own actions produce outcomes, promoting curiosity, persistence, and a growing belief in their ability to affect their environment.

Other options don’t provide the same opportunity for mastery. Calling family members by name supports language and social connections but doesn’t offer the child a direct sense of control over outcomes. Smiling and singing while held fosters bonding and attention but is largely passive from the child’s perspective. Monitoring stress and overstimulation is important for safety and well-being but doesn’t actively cultivate a sense of mastery through interactive achievement.