One Day You’re an Expert, the Next Day You’re Not
Darnell was feeling more confident every day as he cared for baby Imani. He and his partner love paying attention to their baby’s development and noticing Imani’s enthusiasm for learning something new. “But,” Darnell says, “one day I feel like an expert, and a few days later I’m completely confused by Imani’s behavior.”
The Science: a baby’s growing brain
The first 1000 days of a baby’s life are the most sensitive time for her brain development. 700 new brain connections are forming every second! What happens now impacts the basic architecture of the baby’s brain and sets the stage for future emotional, social, physical and cognitive skills such as: how to participate in a rewarding relationship, how to control my actions and emotions, and how to solve problems. Surprisingly, baby’s interactions with loved ones are the building blocks for this healthy brain development. No wonder you feel your baby is growing and changing right before your eyes. She is!
An “Ah-Ha’ Moment: Celebrate your confusion
Darnell is reassured to learn that striving to understand his baby’s behavior is effective parenting. He can now expect that surges in her development will cause temporary “bumps in the road.” Darnell and his partner soon agree that changes in baby’s behavior can be proof that she is moving toward her next social, emotional, physical or cognitive milestone. Watching her behavior and waiting to understand it can be a joy, not a burden