As your child continues to grow, your nurturing care instills in her a sense of trust and security. Simultaneously, you gradually expose her to a wider range of experiences beyond the confines of your home, thereby nurturing a strong and secure attachment.
Every day, you engage in various actions to nurture a strong connection with your child. Highlight the parenting behaviors that you frequently employ to cater to your child's needs and interpret their cues.
Around the age of 7 or 8 months, your baby embarks on a journey of mobility. Before long, she'll be pulling herself up and eventually taking her first steps. Simultaneously, her interest in you and other caregivers deepens. She actively seeks your attention through various means and enjoys both giving and receiving hugs and kisses, fostering a strong sense of self-worth.
Below are key features that will assist you in developing a strong bond with your child.
· Nurturing
ü Celebrate What your child can do.
ü Comfort your child when he is upset
ü Be there when your child tries new things.
ü Be prepared to meet your child’s needs.
ü Show affection.
ü Accept your child’s emotions.
· Designing / Guiding
ü Set family routines so your child knowns what to expect.
ü Set limits for your child ‘s behaviors.
ü Make your home safe for your child to explore.
ü Understand the brain development behind your child’s actions.
· Responding
ü React consistently to your child’s cues.
ü Think about your child’s temperaments.
ü Be open to your child’s interests and share in them.
ü Model taking turns.
· Communicating
ü Name objects when you point to them.
ü Read books, tell stories, and sing.
ü Take turns making sounds or talking with your child.
ü Ask and answer questions.
· Supporting & Learning
ü Wonder with your child.
ü Motivate your child.
ü Provide new words, materials and ideas for your child’s play.
ü Help your child when needed, but support his independence too.
By engaging in these actions, you are forging countless connections, known as synapses, in your baby's brain. This process lays the foundation for her future success. Your child places her trust in you due to your loving care, provision for her needs, and ensuring her safety. This sense of security encourages her to explore and examine her surroundings. As she ventures forth, she continues to acquire knowledge. Repeatedly sharing these experiences with her leads to the growth of more synapses in her brain, strengthening her cognitive development.
You can be certain of your baby's secure attachment to you when:
ü She likes to be near you at home or when you are out together.
ü She becomes upset when you leave.
ü She is very happy when you return to be with her.
ü She pays attention when you play a game or read a book with her.
ü She looks to see if you are watching her play or move about.
ü She makes eye contact with you.
Attachment is a continuous process that requires dedicated time and effort to develop. Babies are perceptive and can sense their parents' emotional states, especially when they are frequently troubled or stressed. Such circumstances can make it challenging to allocate adequate time and attention to your child. Child development experts emphasize the importance of seeking guidance from a trusted adult if you find it difficult to consistently and lovingly respond to your child in a timely manner. Your parent educator can provide recommendations and strategies to foster strong attachments.
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