Being a busy parent in today's hectic world can try to limit how much time we spend with our children. We must remember though, simple and everyday encounters can provide positive emotional, physical and intellectual learning experiences.
Science now tells us that the absence of important various functions such as seeing, hearing, and moving can impede the foundation for the brain's functioning throughout a child's life, especially in the first three years. The experiences that a child has within the first three years of life are deeply affected by their relationships with their parents. Since a child's brain matures in the world, relationships with their parents as well as the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings are very important. These affect the way the brain develops for the rest of a child's life. This new research on brain development shows that a child's early attachments have a very important influence on their brain. Different and effective ways of spending time with your children include the following:
1
Always be warm, loving, and responsive. Since children experience relationships through their senses, expressing your love for your child - touching, rocking, talking, smiling, singing - affects how your child's brain develops.
2
Respond to the child's cues and clues. Children develop a healthy bond with their parents when parents are able to respond to a child's unspoken cues and clues in a loving and sensitive manner. Sometimes a reassuring smile goes a long way in providing the comfort that a child needs.
3
Talk, read, and sing to your child. Easy ways to do this are by making up stories about daily happenings and singing about people they know. Building this rapport gives your child a solid foundation for later learning.
4
Establish routines and rituals. Repeating positive experiences with your child builds strong connections within the brain and provides children with a sense of security. Establishing routines and rituals prepares a child for what to expect from their environment.
5
Encourage safe exploration and play. As a child grows they begin to explore the world around them. Parents should encourage this exploration as well as be responsive when the child comes back to them for security. When a child plays, they are actually having a learning experience. They're not just having fun, but developing their brains through different play activities.
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Make TV watching selective. Whenever possible, sit and watch television programs with your child(ren) together. Talk about what you are watching with your child(ren). Studies have shown that children who learn best have parents who limit the amount of television watched and are selective to the kinds of shows they watch.
7
Use discipline as an opportunity to teach. A child's feelings of confusion and frustration can become very intense at times causing their behavior to become unacceptable. Your child(ren) need(s) limits and constant adult supervision. Providing appropriate discipline (which really means "to teach") is important to a child's long term development. However, helping your child learn self control is an ongoing process. When a parent responds to their child's impulsive ways by being supportive and controlled, this helps a child feel secure in their world.
8
Recognize that each child is unique. A parent's attitude towards their children and their unique differences affects the way a child feels about themselves. One child may be outgoing while the other bashful and shy. While one is no better than the other, being sensitive and positive to a child's accomplishments encourages a positive self-esteem.
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Choose quality child care and stay involved. Studies show that parents who stay involved with their children's childcare and education have children who achieve better in school. Remember to choose child care carefully and seek a caregiver who truly cares and responds to your child warmly and responsively. Check references and make sure there are enough providers so your child gets individual attention. Don't be scared to offer constructive advice which can improve your child's child care experience.
10
Take care of yourself. Because you are the most important person in your child's life, your health and welfare are notably important. When you become tired, depressed and overwhelmed, you will have a harder time meeting the needs of your child. Take care of yourself and reach out to your family, friends, pediatrician, and child care providers for help.
| Communicating with your provider |
Remember that the first years of your child's life are important and last forever.
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