Where Did She Learn That?

 

We cannot tell you enough how eager your child is to soak up what she hears and sees, and to imitate those behaviors. So ask yourself, "Where did she learn that?", when you see her do or say something that you don't like. 

  1.  Listen and watch the television programs, computer programs, and other children that she plays with to see what she is learning.
  2. Ask yourself if you are a good role model of the language and behavior that you want her to use, such as saying "Please" and "Thank You", and being helpful to others. Try to do the things and say the things that you want her to say and do!

Brain Science for Your Baby

 

Babies imitate early and often.  They are the ultimate people-watchers.  A recent study from the University of Washington showed that even when babies are watching someone else, it activates their own brains.   And there's good news - another recent study found that babies prefer to imitate the people that they trust!  So you are your child's primary teacher. 

This video shows just how good an imitators a toddler can be.  

 
A Baby Buffer Prescription for Your Baby
 

Here are some helpful suggestions for thinking about the role models you want your child to have, in addition to you.  Ask yourself:
 

Are my toddler's babysitter, teacher or others in his life teaching him good manners and to be nice to others?

 

Do I look up to those in my toddler's life for guidance and inspiration?

 

Think of examples of people in your community who you feel have positive qualities to focus on the positive behaviors that you want to reinforce. 
  

A baby Buffer Prescription for You  

 

Problem-solve, don't label. Think about how to get support for babysitting, meals, laundry and other tasks, with people who will be positive influences when they are in your home or with your child.

 

Tell yourself that you are being a responsible parent for needing help or being concerned; applaud yourself for being choosy about who takes care of your child. 

 

 


 

 

What Your Baby Can Do - Developmental Milestones 

 

Children in this age range are moving away from their "baby" stage and toward the greater world that they have never been physically able to explore before. Talking, walking and asserting their independence are the hallmarks of this stage, developmentally. Children need to explore...we just need to help them do so safely!

 
Gene's Research Tip
Let baby have a turn feeding himself!  A study from Swansea University in Wales looked at infants whose families spoon-fed them versus those who were given freedom and time to finger feed. The babies who were spoon-fed exclusively were decidedly more over-weight than the ones who were allowed to do some finger-feeding.
 
                  Read more here
Baby Buffer Blog
Written by Kathy Ellerbeck, MD, MPH, FAAP

Have you heard of "Active Listening"?   They have seminars about it in workplaces. Police officers, counselors, ministers, rabbis and priests do it.  The U.S. State Department teaches it.  Or you might even see a program about Active Listening on late, late night TV like I did a few weeks ago while cleaning up the kitchen in the wee hours of the morning. 

 

What IS "active listening" - and why might it matter to you and to your baby?   There are some key elements that aren't only good for communication with the adults in your life, but for babies as well - with a little adaptation.  This is what I learned (that should apply to babies and toddlers and not just to my husband).

 

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