How to connect with your child

At every stage of your child’s development, you and your child are discovering wonderful things about each other. From birth, it's important to form a secure attachment with your child. And as your child grows into the toddler and preschool years, it's equally important to recognize how your child is changing and how you can be in tune with these changes to keep your connection strong and support your child's healthy social, emotional and intellectual development.
 
"Creating a lasting bond with your child takes consistent effort," says Palmina Ioannone, parenting expert at Invest in Kids. "The work begins in infancy and is a labour of love that continues as your child grows."
           
Forming a secure attachment with your infant
At birth, your newborn is dependent on you for everything, but has more capacities and abilities than you'd think. The best way to learn about your baby is to spend lots of time together to learn about temperament and sensitivities.
 
Here are some of the cues your baby might send to get your attention:
• Crying
• Facial expressions, like quivering lips and furrowed eyebrows
• Making or avoiding eye contact
• Gestures, like raising his hands high
 
With these cues, your baby may be signaling that he needs you to soothe him, hold him or feed him. "Even in your daily routines, pay extra-special attention to your child. He'll feel loved and safe," says Ioannone.
 
Ioannone suggests these activities designed to transform your everyday interactions into moments that support your baby’s healthy development.
• Hold your baby in a warm embrace and look at him face-to-face as you feed him. Your baby will smile in response to your undivided attention.
• Play games like peek-a-boo when diapering or dressing your baby. Your baby will stare in anticipation as he learns you'll reappear, and laugh with joy.
• Tell your baby the names of his body parts as you gently wash and dry him. Your baby will gradually be able to respond to your requests to "lift your arms," "point your toes," etc., as he learns his body parts.

Building your attachment is a process that takes caring, patience and time. Understand how important you are to your baby and that your baby forms a secure attachment to you as you respond to his needs and care for him.

The routines and rituals you establish are part of the secure base you provide for your baby. This attachment becomes part of the brain's wiring and sets the basic model for all his future close relationships. Even if interacting with your baby feels awkward at first, remember, these are among the most important ways to build a warm relationship with your child.

Page 1 of 3 -- Discover how to connect with your toddler on page 2