
Cheers to parenting!
I love new beginnings. Today we not only ring in a new year, but a new decade. Your baby will be doing all kinds of things in 10 years!
Reflection helps us know what direction to go with our parenting intentions or goals for the new year. Let’s take a look at each of these questions individually and unpack them a little bit…
Is your child thriving?
This kind of daily rhythm puts us in sync — even grownups feel better when their physical bodies are working well. Some ways you can support this is with healthy foods that give energy, decrease stimulation (like avoiding sugar or drinks with caffeine), and by drinking liquids that keep the plumbing working well (lots of water does the trick usually with little ones). Your baby may fluctuate and suffer with constipation as their body learns to digest and let you know what works and what doesn’t. Getting good rest and playing outside every day will also help your child thrive. You too, mama.
Do you have concerns about your child?
Are you a parent? Then you likely have concerns! It’s what we do best, get concerned. The skill of discerning what’s a real concern and what’s a fear of what could happen develops with time and experience.
So take one concern… your biggest one and explore it with a clear mind, positive outlook and then do some learning. Let’s say your concern is about biting.
Last night, a young mom was telling me that her 8-month old had just started biting her. She was concerned, for one she didn’t want to get bit, but also she didn’t want her baby to bite anyone else. A legitimate concern!
But let’s think about WHY an 8-month-old is biting. What else happens at 8 months? Teeth are coming in. It feels GOOD to bite down on something when your mouth is achy. She’s increasingly aware of other people and becoming attached to her primary caregivers. What do we do with people we love? We kiss them. Does an 8 month old understand the different between a wide-mouth or pursed lip kiss? Nope. Babies are in the oral stage of development – they learn everything through their mouth! She’s doing exactly what her nature is telling her to do. Is this a concern that requires further action? Nah, likely not. It does require a patient parent who gives her baby something to chew on, who is ready to quickly intervene if she sees that mouth open and leaning toward someone and who models gentle touches and loving actions, giving lots of opportunity to snuggle close.
When we take a whole developmental picture approach to deciding whether something is truly worth getting worried about, usually we can relax – your kid is just doing what they’re supposed to at that age!
Is your child curious?
Are they developing friendships?
Happy new year! We wish you peace and contentment as you nurture your child and yourself in 2020. We are here to support you, so let us know what you need. 😍