What better way is there to nurture your family than to spend dinner together, around the table, sharing the events of your day? This activity will encourage the development of close relationships between family members. Taking the time to spend dinner together has proven to be a successful tool in helping families stay closely knitted together from infant to adulthood. Children feel excited to share about what happened to them at school, what they did with their friends, and what they plan to do the next day. Parents learn more about what their children enjoy, what makes them happy or upset, and how they are adjusting to school. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about one another.
A terrific idea shared by the author of the Nurturing Parenting Program is to have a special plate that is given to one member of the family at each dinner. This plate is given to the family member who is being recognized for an accomplishment or just because it is determined that they need it the most. The family decides together who should get the plate before dinner and it is set in that individual's place at the table. This is a special honor and eventually will become a habit and an exciting event for the whole family to see who gets the plate.
Here is a great recipe to start you on your way to a family dinner that is sure to please:
Can my baby's early experiences affect him or her for a lifetime? According to Dr. Stephen Bavolek (2012), the answer is "Yes!" Early childhood experiences are the building blocks for your child's life. That is why it is important to begin a healthy bond with them as early as possible.
From the time a baby is born, that child is drawn to the mother and father. Newborns are born with bonding abilities, as they make eye contact, prefer mom's voice, and distinguish dad's voice (Bavolek, 2012). They are also able to find mother's breast just moments after birth.
Continuing this bond is a big responsibility for parents. Parents should continually engage their children with conversation, family activities, touch, and love. Speaking, even to newborns, will also cause attachment and a strong relationship between mom and dad. Playing with children, on the floor, and in direct contact, will enable them to develop a bond that will prepare them for a healthy life. Infant massage and gentle touch is another way to connect with your child.Rubbing their back, tummy, or legs is a soothing and relationship building activity.Showing compassion and love towards our children will give them a sense of security, strengthening the union of mother, father, and child.
The experiences that infants have early-on will not only bond them to their parents, but prepare them for life and future relationships.
Reference
Bavolek, S.(2012).Nurturing Parenting Programs.Family Development Resources, Inc.
