Cross identification meaning the baby is identifying themself with their mother in this “give and take” 👇According to Zeljco Loparik (professor of philosophy at unicamp and winnicott scholar) it is the notion of mutuality - they realize that the mother is doing something for them and they have the desire to give something back in return This is actually a developmental milestone and is the fundamental to the beginning of a healthy social life This is their way of saying “thank you mommy, I love