By Donna Strauss

Early Childhood Council

Five Key Ideas for New Parents

Oct 23, 2019 | 11:23 AM

A caring community and a healthy start for all children.

You can help your child learn better and be happier just by following these five simple guidelines.

1. Understand and respond to your baby’s needs. You can’t “spoil” an infant, so go to her when she fusses or cries. By responding to your baby’s cues, you teach her that you care about her needs and that she can trust you. Ignoring a baby’s needs can do harm by causing stress levels to rise. You may not always understand your baby’s cues, but be patient. This is a learning process for both of you. If baby likes what you are doing, you know you are getting it right.

2. Take care of yourself so you can care for your child. Becoming a parent can be overwhelming and exhausting. Unless you take care of yourself, you will have a hard time taking good care of your child. For this reason, it is important to have support from friends, family or community organizations. Do not be afraid to ask for help caring for your child.

3. Talk, sing and read to your child. Let your child hear your voice as much as possible – it does not matter what you say to him. The newborn brain is especially interested in sound. You can form a deep emotional connection between you and your child by simply sharing the sound of your voice with him. Sounds are also important to a newborn because they are the building blocks of speech and language.

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4. Create a predictable world for your child. Providing routines and expected responses gives your child a sense that the world is a trustworthy place. It also teaches him than he can depend on you. If your child understands this, he will spend less energy fussing over his needs and more time learning. Routines can include basic activities like feeding and bathing.

5. Provide a warm and loving environment. Helping your child feel safe and secure is the key to encouraging growth and development. A child who feels loved will have an easier time learning about the world around her. Therefore, make sure you interact with your child, providing love and affection.

Creating a learning environment is important. Parents are the crucial contributors to intellectual development for children. Give your child chances to explore and experiment with new objects and environments. Stop an activity when your child starts to turn his head away or fuss. Paying attention to your child’s cues will avoid overstimulation. Make time for play time and enjoy this wonderful time of growth and love with your child.

For information on supports and services in Prince Albert for families with young children go to www.paecc.ca