Nurturing Emotional Development in Babies – Importance and its Effect

A newborn is devoid of any sense of “self”. Self-awareness develops during the first year with all the other major milestones. Infants don’t realize that a caregiver is there to take care of them. They only understand their comforts and discomforts. They try to communicate their needs through crying or by using different gestures. As they grow, they realize that external sources play a big role in pacifying them during periods of discomfort. Thus, forms the bond between the caregiver and the baby which forms the basis of emotional development in babies.

The quality of the bond formed in the first year of a baby’s life has a big impact on the baby’s approach to the world around him. The environment you create for your baby in this first year will determine his emotional approach to the people around him. Raised in a pleasant environment, the baby will be happy and trusting by nature. He will have a healthy overall development and a happy demeanor. If there is negligence and hostility around, the baby would be suspicious and lack in confidence. He will not be sure about communicating his needs in an effective way.

Emotional Development in Babies: Nurture and Nature

If your baby has received constant love, care, and attention during the first few months of his life; he will grow up to be a more well-rounded individual. This is the time to build an environment of trust and attachment which will eventually help him in building self-confidence. He develops an understanding that he will be understood and will receive help whenever he needs it. A baby raised in this way absorbs these qualities from his parents or caregiver and will grow up to be a sensitive individual. A safe haven helps in raising confident and secure individuals. Happiness, empathy, sorrow, and other such emotions are very much shaped by how an infant is nurtured right from birth.

Role as a Parent

A baby’s needs are varied and can be overwhelming for a new parent to understand. However, a parent by being sensitive and understanding can help the baby to understand, regulate, and control them. The care, constant attention, and shower of love given in the first few months do not imply spoiling the baby. It is merely “creating a cornerstone” for Emotional Development in babies. The most valuable gift that a child can receive is a parent’s love, time, and attention. It has been scientifically proven that early neglect can damage a child irreparably. Thus, the main role of a parent or a caregiver is to offer as much attention or love as possible, especially in the initial months.

Sometimes, it can be too much to try to pacify a screaming baby in the middle of the night, during travel, or in the middle of a mall but remember it’s your response and effort that matters the most.  When you calm your baby, you are teaching him to calm himself. Every time you cater to his emotional needs, you are asserting your presence in his life which encourages him to show confidence in his abilities.

You don’t need to be a perfect parent

You don’t need to put yourself through extreme pressure of being the perfect parent. You don’t have to keep going by the book all the time. Your baby can sense your anxiety too. In everyday life, there are going to be plenty of times when you would feel like you are failing and tend to be low about it. Do not let this get into the way of trying even then.  It’s the effort that matters in the end.

Your baby does not need a perfect parent for holistic development; he needs one who keeps trying. They say “it takes a village to raise a child” as it is a long, painstaking, and often a herculean task. So, give yourself a break from trying to fit into the perfect mom model created by the people. Be the kind mother you want to be! All this paves a way towards building a bond based on love and mutual understanding. It helps the baby to know the real you.

Some methods to enhance your baby’s early emotional skills

• Provide a secure and consistent environment for the baby.
• Smile often.
• Show empathy when the baby is upset.
• Be receptive to good and bad both.
• Bond with your baby on her level.
• Allow her to be a part of family activities.

Several research works have proved that Emotional Intelligence predicts about 80 percent of a person’s success in life. With well-developed emotional intelligence, a person tends to form good moral standards. Although it develops through adolescence, a baby’s early experiences form the basis for a lifetime. So, start with them young and teach them the importance of empathy. When we raise empathetic children the world becomes a little more beautiful and devoid of meanness.

You may also want to read:

1. Emotions for kids: 6 Actionable Tips to Increase Emotional Intelligence
2. Positive Discipline: A Few Tips to Practice with Toddlers & Kindergartners

Let me know if this article rings a bell for you. Also, tell us how do you take care of the emotional needs of your little ones.