There are many factors that can affect the growth of your child, whether it be intellectual, physical, emotional, or social. Factors such as adequate prenatal care, warm and caring attachments between young children and adults, and positive stimulation from the time of birth make a significant difference in a child's development. The environment and its impact on a child plays a large role in their brain development. A child's developmental and learning abilities also depends greatly on the interaction between their genetic capabilities and the appropriate nutrition, physical environment, individual care and daily stimulation, that are provided or withheld. A child's growth is a continuous process, and it is vital for parents to encourage this growth by providing a safe, healthy learning environment.
Parents who nurture and care for children in their early stages of life have positive and long-lasting effects on a childs :
- development and intellectual abilities
- ability to cope with stress now and in the future
- ability to control their own emotions
- eat nutritious foods and establish a well-balanced diet
- develop a regular eating routine
Children may also be stimulated to learn and grow when parents:
- listen attentively to their children and pay attention to their problems
- pay attention to a child's moods and learn their symptoms when they are tired or moody. They will usually need the reassuring and calming presence of an adult who can hold them at this time.
- read and sing songs to them so they can become familiar with words and sounds
- make frequent eye contact
- "mirror" the expressions of your child
- talk directly to the child
- when your child begins to make sounds, echo them back, encouraging them to talk more
- offer children interesting toys, such as puzzles, to play with and challenge their thinking
- tell them family stories so they learn the importance of family values
- limit their television watching
- have a supply of books and other reading materials in the house so they are encouraged to read and explore
- go exploring with them and teach them about the environment such as animals, plants and geographical sites
Interesting objects will provoke your infant, therefore, consider these items for your child:
- simple pictures with clear objects and a variety of colors
- textures for a child to touch
- toys that shake, rattle or ring in response to a child's actions
- help your child clap their hands
- rotate the child's legs, bicycle style
- pull the child to standing position after the child has demonstrated strength in legs and balance
- hold toys within the child's reach so they can grab them
| Communicating with your provider |
| Parents should note that early exposure to nicotine, alcohol and drugs are extremely harmful to a young child's brain, therefore, all of these substances should be avoided. |
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