Stranger anxiety. All kids go through it. Some worse than others. Before having Annabelle, I always thought that kids typically responded the same way to strangers, by crying and clinging to mom. I didn’t know there were other such responses.
During Annabelle’s first phase of stranger anxiety, she would give strangers what we called “the cold shoulder.” She would raise her little shoulder and attempt to hide her face. I have to admit it was pretty cute.
Late this summer, her second phase began. She went from cold shoulder to “the evil eye.” Definitely not as cute as the shoulder! Upon seeing a stranger, she would squint her eyes and stare him or her down as if to say, “Who are you? And why do I need to know you?” Hilarious, but yikes….where did she pick this one up? Too much time around Hollywood big wigs? Secret playdates with Suri Cruise & Shiloh Pitt? I dunno.
Luckily, this phase seems to be passing. We’re back to just a blank look. You’re still not going to get a smile, but at least you won’t get a cold shoulder or evil eye.
