REMEMBER to listen to your
baby's cries carefully. They cry differently
for different needs and it is important
to understand what they are trying to convey.
REMEMBER the virtues of
massaging and make it a part of your daily
routine. Massage techniques if used correctly
not only soothes your baby but also promotes
bonding.
REMEMBER to pay attention
to his cues by making eye-contact, talking,
singing, smiling and attend to his needs
like diapering, feeding, sleeping immediately.
This builds your baby's trust and confidence
in you.
REMEMBER to stay calm when
your baby develops 'stranger anxiety' or
'separation anxiety' in the second half
of the year. Use assuring words and gestures.
Don't forget to bring her favorite toy along.
REMEMBER to encourage independence
in your child by allowing him to make simple
choices or exploring a safe environment
by himself.
REMEMBER that infants explore their
surroundings by placing objects in their
mouths. At a later stage, they learn things
by touching everything they can lay their
hands on. This is part and parcel of growth
and development.
AVOID getting angry with
your kid over the mundane like messing themselves
over eating, grabbing another child's toy,
touching things in a friends house.
AVOID propping up your
baby with a bottle for self-feeding. Babies
should be held and talked to during feeding.
AVOID strapping babies
to their bouncers for long periods of time.
It inhibits their development when they
are not allowed to touch, explore and feel
their way around.
AVOID 'sneaking away' and
leaving your child at the daycare when she
is not ready to separate from you. Say proper
good byes and assure her that you will back
for her soon.
AVOID force-feeding. Let
your child eat in small portions and encourage
her to try everything.
AVOID throwing a fit when
your kid makes an accident during potty-training.
Positive words will help him do better next
time.
