Studies also demonstrate how competent we are as parents instinctively, despite our worries. For example, intuitively we play with babies in a very special way. We raise our pitch when we talk and accentuate our words: “Niiiice babieee, prettieee babieee, what do you seeeeee, Babieee?” Babies love this, because higher pitch is easier to hear, and exaggerated enunciation teaches them sounds and words. We also take turns with babies in face-to-face play, doing a delicate, intricate dance. And our games evolve over time, unfolding new leaves of complexity as they change. Of all the faces we make, there are five that most intrigue babies when we’re face-to-face. First, our mock-surprise face: We open our eyes wide, raise our eyebrows, open our mouths, and … hold it. We say something like “Ahhhh-hhhh,” with our pitch going up. Second, our smile: We give a big, broad, genuine grin that crinkles our eyes at the corners. Third, our frown: We lower our brows, draw them together, and say something like “Aaooohhh,” lowering our pitch at the end of the “ooohhh” part. Fourth, we make the “Oh, poor baby” empathy face that combines mock surprise with a frown. And fifth, we just look neutral. Babies love these faces. On the other hand, babies hate a stonelike face.