Books and advice on childbirth and childraising are thick on the ground. One whisper of impending pregnancy and the parents-to-be are bombarded with well-meaning words from friends, relatives, complete strangers and expert authors.
Now, its my turn to share three simple opportunities to welcome a baby into your family and shower it with love. Whether you are an experienced parent or new to the job, what I learnt with my three children will not only help your child to develop their abilities and senses, but will help the parent get to know their new baby and deepen the love they already have.
Sing to your baby at every opportunity
It doesn't matter whether you have a good singing voice or not, your baby will love it. Make up nonsense words or turn your activity into a song. This is especially good at changing, bathing and feeding times. Cheer baby up with a happy song and changing/bathing becomes much more enjoyable. Anxieties at being naked and freezing lessen as they learn this wonderful new game that is not only interesting, but gets them the undivided attention of the parent. Touch as you sing about gorgeous little toes and strong arms, silken hair and pudgy tummies. Babies are listening, feeling and learning. Who else in this world will ever pay you so much attention? In another few years, the baby certainly won't, so make the most of it while you can.
Sing a gentle song at feed times to help baby relax. Rock them as you feed and don't be scared to stand up and rock from side to side or slowly waltz around the room. This is relaxing for you both. Lullabies at night time help to send them off to sleep, and the babies will have their favourites so be prepared to learn a few and experiment with modulation and tempo. My eldest child preferred Silent Night. My younger two liked Rock-a-bye Baby sung very slow. This lullaby worked on my middle child until she was three!
Talk to your baby at every opportunity
Remember that baby is used to hearing your voice insitu. Chatting, reading, general conversation and questions invite the baby to respond, even if its only by smiling and making eye contact. Conversation also helps include the baby into the dynamics of family life. Teach your baby valuable skills right from the start simply by including them. This helps both parent and child. The child learns how to handle attention through growing confidence and esteem [established within the safety of the family]. The parent learns to understand how their child thinks and assimilates knowledge. In these early days, be aware of what you're teaching the child - strong values such as kindness and compassion, generosity and inclusion, and be sure to demonstrate them through actions as well.
Dance with your baby at every opportunity
Always my children's favourite part of the day. Turn the stereo on, crank up the volume and swing around the room! My children grew up with an appreciation of various types of music, especially jazz and swing because its fun to listen to when mum is also whirling you around the room. Not only is the parent getting some exercise, the baby is learning rhythm, harmony, coordination, and a sense of space. They are used to lots of movement so keep it up. I've watched young children, from the barely walking to seven or so years of age dance spontaneously to jazz music. Something in the mix is almost irresistible to their innate sense of rhythm and dance.
Nonsense dances to children's action songs like Knees Up Mother Brown will get the heart pumping and assist in coordination - the parents that is, and you'll have your babe giggling and chortling in no time! These type of songs are commonly available on CD, but if you're not sure ask at the local music shop or department store. Music for early childhood is big business!
I didn't pick these tips up from a book or hear them from a well-meaning friend, I discovered them with my first child. The first person ever who couldn't get enough of my singing and listened to every word that fell from my lips. Oh, those were the days! I carried the practise on and I now have three confident girls who love to sing and dance and talk my ear off. They are happy, well-rounded and know that if a great song comes on the radio I am happy to stop everything and sing or dance with them. None of us will ever be professional, but we sure have a lot of fun together.
Trish is a freelance writer, tutor, and mother of three healthy, happy children [and one neurotic, but loving, dog]. Read more of her articles at http://beginningsmiddlesends.blogspot.com/ or contact her at wordcatcher@hotmail.com.
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