smileatyourbaby.org Blog

Someone to Really be Thankful For!

November 21, 2011 on 1:47 pm | In Uncategorized | No Comments

Those of us who were blessed to have a least one parent who held us, smiled at us, read to us, and loved us like crazy are luckier than we probably realize.

More and more, infants are being born to parents who either don’t understand the concept of bonding with their children, or they are unable or unwilling to invest hugs, kisses, playtime and long gazes.

Being a parent is so much more than giving baby a bottle and changing diapers! But, it shouldn’t be intimidating either. It’s actually not overly time consuming or difficult to make bonding with baby a top priority.

Parents must understand that bonding with baby is absolutely critical to their child’s future success! Infants and toddlers who feel unloved, unconnected and who don’t have anyone in their life they know they can trust no-matter-what, often grow into very angry, fearful and untrusting children and adults. These same children are the “bad kids” and bullies at school and might even engage in animal torture. As these children grow into young adulthood their chances of graduating high school are much lower and their odds for teenage pregnancy are higher. Even obesity can be linked to a lack of attachment in those first three critical years. Often undiagnosed, and still angry, fearful and untrusting, as adults they may self medicate with drugs and violent acts may shift from being animal cruelty to domestic violence.

If you are happy, well adjusted and productive, you probably have at least one adult in your life to thank for that. Don’t forget to thank them this week   And please, Smile at your baby!