Research has shown that children who have developed good relationship with their parents<\/a> in their early childhood are more likely to develop better interpersonal relationships when they grow up. They have better problem-solving skills, higher academic achievement and are more likely to grow up as competent parents.<\/p>\n A baby begins life with the inborn ability to signal his needs to others — He loves looking at faces and turns to human voices, cries when hungry or feeling discomfort, imitates your facial expressions and coos in response. Over time, you will be able to discriminate his cries, facial expressions and movements and attend to his needs accordingly by feeding him, changing his nappy, cuddling him imitating his actions or sounds to play with him<\/a>. Your baby will in turn be satisfied by your response and continue to interact with you. During these\u00a0continuous interactions<\/strong>\u00a0between you and your baby, you have given stimulations through different sensory modes for your baby’s brain development. Research has established that such intimate interactive experience since birth is one of the essential factors for the babies’ brain development. The harmonious interactions between you and your baby also become established as patterns upon which a secure and trusting relationship is formed.<\/p>\n When the intimate relationship is built up, your baby\u00a0feels safe<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0when you are there. \u00a0He has learnt that whenever and wherever he is in discomfort, pain or fear, you will be there to console and protect him, offer him appropriate limits and guidance. You are his \u201csafe\u201d base from where he will feel safe and free to venture out to discover the world. This feeling of security and trust helps him to learn and develop into an independent and competent person, being capable of understanding others, and gradually acquiring social skills<\/a>, coping and resilience to face stresses and challenges.<\/p>\n You can show your attention and affection to your baby by:<\/p>\n Your baby will tell you his needs through sounds, expressions and movements. Try to attend closely to these signs from him and\u00a0respond promptly<\/strong>\u00a0to his needs.<\/strong>\u00a0For instance, when your baby cries, you may check whether his diaper is wet, whether he is too hot or too cold, or if he has had enough in his last feed. You may even consider other possibilities like whether his feet are being entangled or that he has been stung by a mosquito. Let your baby see your face and hear your gentle voice as you go about checking out his needs. If your baby\u2018s crying is not due to the above reasons, he probably needs more of\u00a0your soothing<\/strong>\u00a0such as playing some soft music<\/a> to him, swaddling him up in a soft blanket, or picking him up and rocking him gently in your arms.<\/p>\n Baby’s crying has the basic function of signaling needs. By picking him up when he needs your soothing, you show yourself to be sensitive to his needs. Your baby will\u00a0feel your care and love<\/strong>\u00a0and thus enhancing a secure relationship with you. When your baby is\u00a0calm and alert<\/strong>, it is indeed the best time for you to\u00a0enjoy intimate interactions<\/strong>\u00a0including holding him. Your baby feels contented with your attention and learns that he will get this comfortable feeling when he is calm, thus strengthening the relationship between you.\u00a0You will not be spoiling your baby<\/strong>.<\/p>\n There are\u00a0no substitutes<\/strong>\u00a0for parents.\u00a0 Parents should not completely shift their role as parents to others.\u00a0 If you have to entrust your baby to another caregiver, you should consider the following:<\/p>\n Recognising the importance of establishing a lasting relationship through responsive interactions is a first step in helping your child develops. Together with your love and care for him, you are on the road to becoming successful parents<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"An Intimate Parent-Child Relationship<\/h3>\n
Bonding Through Responsive Care<\/h3>\n
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Will I spoil my newborn by holding him too much?<\/h3>\n
Consideration in Childcare<\/h3>\n
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Congratulations!<\/h3>\n