What does brain science say about talking?  What is the best way to talk to a baby?  Babies seem to like "parentese"!  You may be doing this without even knowing - are you talking slowly, with simple words, in a sing-song voice?  Scientists have found that just talking to babies helps their little brains learn to form categories for objects.  Even when they are just 3 - 4 months old! 

 

Your kind voice focuses on helping your baby learn how to do something, communicates respect and love, and helps her brain develop the pathways to kindness, respect and compassion. Moreover, your calm response soothes her when she gets upset or angry herself. 

 

The opposite holds true: when your baby is talked to in an angry, shouting voice, she learns to make herself angry, loses her ability to care for others, and fails to learn how to manage her emotions, due to the part of her brain controlling her emotions being underdeveloped.

Cathy Smith, PhD

Now that the presents are un-wrapped, the cookies are eaten and the guests are all gone, it is time to get back to everyday life. I love the holidays, but I also look forward to the feeling of calm and routine that January brings. I 'm not usually one for New Year's resolutions but this January I am striving to be "present" and "in the moment." Giving others your full attention when you are with them lets them know they are important and worth your time. It helps to build strong relationships. Being "present" with your children is really important, no matter how old they might be. When my youngest child was a baby, she would use her hands to physically turn my head towards her, so that I would stop whatever I was doing, and pay attention to her! That was a pretty clear sign that she wanted and needed my attention. Not all babies are that persistent but all babies do need you to be "present" as much as possible.