By the time that a child has reached the end of middle childhood, what abilities are close to adult maturity?

Many stepfathers and stepchildren eventually form harmonious, close relationships. How does this happen?

a. The stepfather brings home gifts frequently and establishes weekly allowances. b. The stepfather completely ignores his stepchildren until they are ready to approach him. c. The stepfather acts warmly and openly to his stepchildren and does not immediately try to assert stern authority. d. The stepfathers assert themselves immediately so that the stepchildren know who the disciplinarian is.

On average most infants will use their first word ____

a. a few months before or after their second birthday b. a month or two months before or after their first birthday c. toward the middle half of their first year d. toward the second half of their second year