What age do children commonly benefit from more independence and can be left to cry without immediate attention?

At around 12 months, many children are reaching a developmental stage where they benefit from a bit more independence. This age marks significant growth in various areas, such as emotional regulation and cognitive development. Children often begin to understand that their caregivers will return even when they are not immediately attended to, which is a fundamental aspect of developing secure attachment.

By this age, babies typically exhibit a stronger sense of object permanence, meaning they understand that objects and people continue to exist even when they cannot see them. This understanding helps them feel more secure when left to cry for short periods.

Additionally, at 12 months, children are frequently exploring their environment more independently. They might enjoy playing by themselves, which can also mean they can tolerate brief moments without direct caregiver interaction. This emerging independence is critical for helping them learn to self-soothe and develop coping mechanisms for frustration, making it appropriate for caregivers to allow them some time to express themselves without immediate response.

While younger infants still heavily rely on immediate comfort and attention, around 12 months is often when caregivers can start to introduce this slight shift towards fostering greater independence in a safe and secure manner.