In the first three years of life the brain is growing and changing faster than it ever will again. At times during the first year of life a million connections are forming every single second in your baby’s brain.
We all know about the importance of ‘5 a day’ and that your child’s body grows better when you give the child good food. In the same way, your child’s brain grows better when you do five simple things that feed their growing brain: Respond • Cuddle/Engage • Relax • Play • Talk
In this post we look at Respond:
- Everyone takes time to learn how their baby communicates.
- Try and guess what your baby’s crying means and meet their basic needs – warmth and comfort, food, a clean nappy, sleep.
- Crying doesn’t always mean your baby is ‘upset. It’s the only noise they know how to make. Sometimes they may be singing or talking to you!
- When your baby has your full attention, their whole brain is working. When you are watching TV, texting or talking on the phone, they don’t get this benefit.
“I feel very scared if I get no response from you. When you look at me with love in your eyes I feel safe. Your voice helps me to feel safe. Being close to you helps me to feel safe. ”
Respond & Being Outdoors
Being outdoors and in nature allows your child to respond and be curious.
