I saw this quote on a webpage, and it caught my eye, i rather like it, and just though i'd share it with others!
Food for thought: “Babies cry to communicate – not manipulate” - William Sears
Babies thrive when nurtured; Thriving is not just growing bigger, but also developing and growing socially, emotionally and spiritually. By meeting baby’s physical and therefore emotional needs – by holding, talking to, cuddling and rocking them, feeding, and most importantly responding, they then will feel satisfied, safe, secure, loved and will thrive.
Early attachment relationships are the foundation for all future relationships and important in developing the neural pathways of the brain, optimising their genetic potential. A sensitive approach and responding to baby’s signals and needs immediately will give the baby a positive sense of self and a trust in other people, making your baby contented in the short term and more independent later on. This meeting of their needs enhances a strong, positive and loving relationship with you as parents. Even more importantly they don’t care whether these practical tasks are carried out perfectly, babies just like having their mother or father taking care of them.
I saw this when you posted on FB and am thinking about reposting it; I have a friend in her mid 30's who has a 12 mo, who sends me emails about 'the baby whisperer' tizzy hall and stuff, it's so awkward lol. Great stuff, I love Sears.
Go for it PZ! i love it, it really makes you think and realise how many in society just seem to avoid their children, as sad as that is, and just hwo critical it is for parents to keep their babies happy, and that they are not just crying to make our life a living hell, or because theyre "bad babies" its simply a matter of, how else can they communicate what they want?!
Babies totally cry to communicate! Thankfully both dh and I are on the same page with this. We don't let DS cry and we know now that if he is crying it's because he needs us, ie he's teething, has gas pains and needs a belly rub, he needs his nappy changed, has stacked it and needs to be sat upright again etc. He has never cried for no reason! It's distressing to me when he's crying let alone leaving him to cry. Even if he just needs a cuddle, so what, we cuddle him! He's a baby after all and why wouldn't he want us to be holding him
I agree. Sometimes I think people can focus too much on having an independent baby eg: self settling, self soothing etc. I just don't think the words independent and baby should go together doesn't make sense to me. Great if you have one that does self settle etc, but it shouldn't be the be all and end all IYKWIM they are all different.
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