Do you ever wonder where children as young as 12 months old get their behavioral traits ? Babies behaviors comes from parents/caregivers, from your acts and gestures, to your communication style, your interactions, your daily routine and from the environment in which they reside.
Research has shown that babies can feel joy, anger and other emotions from inside their mothers’ wombs. It also shows that brain development, especially in regards to learning begins immediately.
It is therefore, imperative that anyone of us in a position of close contact with or proximity to babies be aware of our expressions and actions.
I have been spending a great deal of time watching over one of my grandsons and I must say, it has been a gratifying opportunity. This baby mimics everything he hears and observes. He is 18 months old now, he responds to two languages and speaks a few words of both (so far). He responds to his daily routine including meal, play, sleep and reading times with joy.
We cheerfully claps when he achieves, hugs when needing comfort and spoken to softly, but firmly when required (no yelling). He’s brain is like a sponge absorbing and repeating everything he hears, sees and feels. And every opportunity is a training opportunity.
He hangs his jacket, brings over his books to be read at his special spot, puts his toys away at the end of the day, wipes his mouth after a meal, (attempts) to wipe his spills , (attempts) to sweep the floor and he dances up a storm watching grandma’s dancing steps.
Remember, you are shaping a human being and it’s a job deserving of your utmost attention. What you say and do in their presence contributes to their foundation for life.
Written by:Moji Taiwo (ParenTeen Connections)