Mother Nurture
with Tony Seton

 

           More Toddler Tips.....

#5 - Mother's milk is the best nourishment a child can get. It strengthens his immune system, lowering risk from chronic diseases, and helps him to avoid obesity. It also seems to enhance his brain development. Breast-feeding benefits the mother as well, helping her to get back the body she had before her pregnancy. And of course, breast-feeding is a marvelous bonding tool. 

#6 - Colors can mean a lot to a child. Some children are happier when surrounded by softer colors. Colors that are too bright can upset some children or cause them trouble relaxing. Light levels in a room can also determine whether a child can take a nap or not. Some children need a dark room, while others can pop off to sleep with the blinds open. Remember, every child has different needs. 

#7 - Music has charms to soothe a savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak. So said the English playwright William Congreve, and the truth is that quality music can actually improve a child's brain power. There is a lot of good baby music, from classical to country, but stay away from harsh-sounding music or that which contains violent lyrics. You might provide a musical sampler, and see which sounds your child likes the best. 

#8 - Provide access for your children. Enhance your child's upbringing by offering her a smorgasbord of opportunities. Don't just shove her into t-ball or dance lessons, but let her climb trees and fish and hike in the mountains. Let her dabble with crayons and clay and fingerpaints; play the piano, the recorder, and the guitar. The more you make possible, the broader the range of experiences you provide for your child, the greater the potential for her development. 

#9 - What an infant needs almost as much as the physical necessities of life is croodling. What is croodling? It's an old Scottish word. Croodle means to cuddle in a nurturing fashion, the way an animal mother would hold, rock, and nuzzle a new born. Croodle is nature at its most nurturing. It’s what you do when you are filled with that feeling of unconditional love; as a parent for an infant. Croodling comes from a place deep inside of you. Probably the same place where you'd find instinct. 

#10 - Enhance your attitude toward your children. Consider the difference in referring to them as children instead of as kids. When you speak of a child instead of a kid, somehow there seems to be more respect in the word. Try using "child" and "children" for a week. Make an effort, correcting yourself right away if you slip, even when the word is just in your mind. It may only take a few days to get into the habit, but stay with it for a whole week. You'll discover that it makes a surprising difference. 

#11 - All children -- even before they are born -- benefit from engagement. Your voice, your touch, even just your nearness conveys a sense of wellness. And when you have the time and inclination, they love it when you touch them and hold them. They can feel your caring. If you can't pick them up, maybe give them a finger to squeeze. And if your hands are busy, talk to them. They make a great audience. 

#12 - Reading with your children is an enriching experience for both parents and children. Reading stimulates the imagination and reflection. Reflection and imagination are two really extraordinary human powers, powers which separate us from every other creature on the planet. We want to make the most of them. 

 

 

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