When the child is 12 months old he/she acquires new language and locomotion abilities, which allows him/her to both move away and get close to the caretaker. Thus, the mother holds a fundamental role, since she must give the child opportunities for discoveries and explorations. This study investigated child’s development at 12 months old as well as maternal feelings in relation to this moment. Twenty-eight women aged 20 to 37, of different social economic level, whose child was 12 months old, took part in the study. A semi-structured interview about motherhood experience and child’s development was carried out. The content analysis revealed the richness of the new acquisitions and their impact on maternal feelings. Mothers reported ambivalent feelings of gratification and fulfillment, but also of greater demand and dedication. Given the importance of this period, it is crucial that the mother should be able to adapt to child’s new acquisitions and be available to share their experiences.
maternal feelings; child development; one-year-old children