During infancy and toddlerhood; in fact, all throughout the lifespan, we constantly search for a balance between two fundamental desires: independence and interdependence.  Every human being possess these two critical traits, but, of course, to varying degrees.  Many factors influence how we find and balance independence and interdependence, including culture, genetics, temperament, the environment, and experience.

For infant and toddlers in particular, daily, repeated experiences have a life-long impact on these two needs.  And while newborn infants are, to a great extent, highly dependent on the primary adults in their lives for their very survival, even very young infants possess the ability to function both independently and in interdependent relationships.

In fact, young infants are born with an innate drive to do what they are able to do and to connect with the significant people in their lives.  This is a big part of the magic, joy, and challenge of infancy and toddlerhood!