playing games with baby

We have a new grandchild whom we (grandparents and parents) love dearly.  The parents play a game with our grandson by speaking his name loudly or shouting boo! which startles him and then he laughs.  He is 9 months old and I don't think this is an appropriate game for him...any advice?.  My son-in-law and daughter know I am submitting this question and we are all awaiting an answer.   Thanks

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Lola,

This activity is certainly ill advised. Any behavior that deliberately startles a child has nothing to recommend it, even if the child laughs. This sort of interaction breeds anxiety and unsettledness in a youngster; it is really incumbent on parents who love their child to stop this right away.

[vac]

I would report my daughter and son-in-law to child services if they carried on with this sort of behaviour.  That is disgusting purposely frightening a child.  It is a control thing they are trying to exert over a defenseless baby.  We are supposed to nurture and care for children, not abuse them.  They should not be allowed children!  That is NOT a game, it is abuse!