Speaking in Parentese

The Art (and Science) of Parent Talk “The world talks to the mind. Parents speak more intimately—they talk to the heart.” – HAIM GINOTT

Resources for Further Reading

National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. (2007). The timing and quality of early experiences combine to shapebrain architecture: Working paper #5. Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/wpcontent/uploads/2007/05/Timing_Quality_Early_Experiences-1.pdf

Activities for Being Present

• Take your child for a walk. Share the experience together by using all of your senses and pointing out the smells of the flowers, the feel of the wind, the sounds of birds, and the beautiful colors of nature. Each time your child uses one of his five senses, a neural connection is made […]

Use Your Eyes and Ears

• Being fully engaged with your child is paramount. Use your Eyes and Ears to help you stay focused—look, listen, and respond to your child. • When you engage with your child, put away technology and try to resist multitasking. • Clear your mind of other thoughts and feelings so you can be present with […]

The Benefits of Undivided Attention

Children cherish undivided attention. When you give your child your full attention, you are letting him know he is important to you. Your undivided attention strengthens your relationship, increases your child’s self-esteem, and helps you understand him better. Still, with busy schedules and our modern, plugged-in lifestyles, giving our undivided attention has become rare. Revive […]

The Art of Being Present

Use Your Eyes and Ears “This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.” – RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Resources for Further Reading

Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Volume 1. New York, NY: Basic Books. Cohen, L. J. (2002). Playful parenting. New York, NY: Ballantine Books. Feldman, R. (2012, June 14). Bio-behavioral synchrony: A model for integrating biological and microsocial behavioral processes in the study of parenting. Parenting: Science and practice, 12(2-3). Gold, C. M. (2011). Keeping […]

Activities to Enhance Attachment and Synchrony

An easy way to practice synchrony with your child is through turn-taking activities. It’s easy. Here are some ideas: • Reflect back. When you are interacting with your child, respond to her action with your own action that reflects her inner feelings. For instance, if she widens her eyes and smiles at you after you […]

The Importance of Touch and Gaze

• Your child’s first language is touch. It is through nurturing, affectionate touch that your child feels soothed, protected, and loved. You communicate volumes in how you hold and handle your child—and the power of touch continues as your child grows. • Remember that when you gaze into your child’s eyes, you are promoting the […]

Synchrony: An Essential Building Block of Attachment

Synchrony is the process through which the parent’s physical and mental systems become coordinated with those of the infant. It is like learning to dance with your child. In the beginning, the parent adapts to the infant’s states through repeated closely matched exchanges that include affectionate touch, eye contact, special words, songs, and vocalizations, as […]