10/08/99

Your Baby's First Teacher

Q: My husband and I have read that, "Eighty percent of the brain's architecture, or wiring, is formed during the first three years of life." If that is so, what can parents do to help their babies avoid "faulty wiring" and lay a solid foundation for learning?

A: Parents are their babies' first teachers; parents are, therefore, in charge of their babies' mental development, not only from birth on, but during pregnancy, too.

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of excellent books, videotapes and Internet sites that provide information to parents about the multitude of ways to enhance mental development of infants and toddlers. Most of these sources emphasize direct, personal interaction (as opposed to passive exposure to action, like TV;) good nutrition, sufficient sleep, a variety of activities that stimulate all five senses (taste, touch, hearing, seeing and smelling), routine medical check-ups, regular socialization with other children and adults and heaps of love and affection!

A free booklet called, "Ready or Not," published by the Connecticut Commission on Children (860-240-0290) highlights some of the things parents can do to contribute to the future school readiness of their children, from pregnancy right through to entry into kindergarten. For answers to some of your specific questions about the early years, call the following toll free Infoline: 800-505-2000. Also, keep a notebook with you and jot down the inevitable questions that come up, so you won't forget to ask the doctor during your next visit.

Some of the tips to parents from "Ready or Not" are:

DURING PREGNANCY:

Eat well, get plenty of rest and exercise (in moderation) and see a physician regularly. Don't smoke yourself and stay away from second-hand smoke, too. Alcohol and other drugs, even over-the-counter drugs, can harm the developing fetus. Before you take any medication, check with your health care provider.

(Beth adds: Read, read, read about infant and early childhood development. Keep up with your baby's development, even before birth. This is a great way to involve your baby's father or your parenting partner, too. Such knowledge really helps during those first few weeks, when everything about your baby seems like a total mystery. Remember, your baby doesn't come with an instruction manual!)

BASIC NEEDS: Babies communicate their needs (of displeasure, hunger and happiness) from the beginning and will soon bond with the people who fulfill their needs. They learn who you are through all their senses. Establish eye contact, reciprocal cooing (talking) and reassuring body contact. Use your imagination for creative, interactive play.

Routine medical check-ups are very important, because doctors and other qualified health care providers not only check a baby's health and give needed vaccinations, but they also help parents anticipate developmental stages and enhance their child's development throughout each stage. Furthermore, doctors also offer guidance to parents about diet and nutrition. Did you know, for example, "that the brain is the organ that grows at the greatest rate during the first months of life, reaching 80% of its adult weight by the time a child is 14 months old?"

HOME SAFETY: Most accidents can be prevented if you babyproof your home and provide careful supervision. Some of the steps to take to improve your child's safety are:

• Put medicines, cleaning solutions and other dangerous substances out of reach or lock them up.
• Cover all electric outlets with plastic guards.
• Protect little fingers from swinging doors or pull-down cabinet doors.
• Use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Own a fire extinguisher (note expiration date and keep it full and ready for use.)
• If you'll be out of the room for a few minutes, put your infant or toddler in an enclosed and secure place (like a playpen) so your baby can't get into danger (children are quick!) But don't go out of listening range and don't be gone long!
• Learn basic First Aid and CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) skills.
• Learn about the causes of lead poisoning, so you can prevent your child from exposure to lead, a substance that can cause serious developmental problems.

(Beth adds: Never leave your baby unsupervised; parenting is a 24-hour-a-day responsibility. When you're away, even for a few minutes, be sure another responsible adult is in charge.

PLAY AND LEARNING:

Children learn through play; some people say that play is the business of childhood. It's also much of the fun of parenting! Infants and toddlers love make-believe, outdoor exploration, and play with all kinds of toys and interactive games with other children and adults. You, the parent, are your child's first teacher. Here are a few teaching tips - you'll develop your own teaching style as you and your child learn together.

• Express "yes, you can" messages more often than "no, you can't" messages.
• Encourage experimentation, while guiding the child away from hazards.
• Maintain an attitude of respect for your child.
• Children learn through repetition. Give child many opportunities to practice new skills.
• Explain why we do certain things or why we expect certain things from them. When children are told reasons for things, they build confidence as learners. This includes the very important lesson about why children should not talk with strangers.
• Plan regular play times and participate with your child in play. These times set aside for interaction build language and interaction that builds important emotional and learning connections over time.
• Welcome mistakes as learning experiences. Everyone makes mistakes while learning. Listen to a child's frustrations; that will dissipate tensions and free the way to keep on keeping on.
• Set limits when necessary, in a calm and kind manner.
• Listen to your child and maintain a healthy curiosity about what he or she thinks. A child's thinking is fascinating and full of surprises. Your child will teach you, too!
• Read books with your child, every day if possible. It's a wonderful learning activity and builds many, many skills important to later learning.

LINKS:

National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families

Parenting: Babies and Toddlers

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.