3 THINGS THAT STRESS OUT BABIES
Babies don’t have to pay bills or take heat from a difficult boss, but they still get anxious.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill shows that some babies are born more sensitive to stress than others, says Cathi Propper, Ph.D., the study co-author. All babies, however, like to be soothed with lots of reassurance. How to handle three common situations:
Big stressor #1: Mom leaving the room. “I rarely see a child who doesn’t get stressed by this,” says Propper. If you’re trying out a new sitter, have her come early so your little one can see that you like this new person. Sneaking out will only trigger anxiety. Instead, give a quick hug and a kiss, and make your exit.
Big stressor #2: Dora in person. Characters that are beloved in a book can still be scary at a birthday party. If your tot’s not enjoying the entertainment, check out some toys in another room.
Big stressor #3: Mom and Dad arguing. Studies show that exposing kids to parents’ fighting is better than never allowing them to watch you disagree, but they should see you (kiss and) make up, too.
INFANT MASSAGE
Human touch is one of the earliest senses to develop and one of the first ways a parent communicates with the baby. According to the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, soothing strokes relax baby, release stress, and increase the bond between baby and adult. The special time between parents and babies spent in massage can make a parent feel better. What’s more, infant massage has proven benefits for preterm and special needs babies. Massage can help digestion, relieve colic, boost immune activity, and improve the baby’s ability to fall asleep.
Source: www.earlychildhoodnews.com
HOW TO TEACH YOUR CHILD EMPATHY
Promote your child’s development of empathy by using a variety of strategies during normal daily activities:
Model Caring BehaviourOne of the best ways to promote empathy is to model empathetic caring. Talk about your feelings for others and how you share their joys, sorrows, pain, or delights
Interpret EmotionsAs a circle time activity, invite children to “read” or interpret the emotions in the faces of people in large photographs or magazine pictures. Then ask, “Why do you think the girl feels surprised?” and “what could have happened to make the man look so discouraged?”
Role Play Helpful Behaviour Dramatize stories about specific helpful acts. By discussing and playing out how to help, children learn skills and gain insights into appropriate helping.
Be Supportive. Maintain a warm, supportive relationship with children and set realistically high standards consistent with the developmental levels of the children.
By promoting the development of empathy in today’s preschoolers, we can make a lasting contribution to a kinder, gentler world for tomorrow.
Source: www.earlychildhoodnews.com
…… Culled from tw December 2013 Edition.
