But all that changed seven months ago when our daughter was born. Unlike her brother, she responds to cuddling or playful attempts to get her to smile by frantically waving her arms or arching her back and crying. A frequent spitter, it's almost like she's trying to shut us out. Most parents don't recognize the importance of temperament until after their second child is born. By temperament we mean the style a child uses to interact with the world.
Some infants are extremely active, moving their arms and legs incessantly.
Others are tranquil. Some children explore their environment eagerly for great lengths of time. Others do not. Some infants respond warmly to people. Others fuss and fret.