Holding and handling your child
© Jupiter
As children get older they become more independent and we may think of them as needing less touching, stroking, holding and cuddling. This is true, up to a point, but don't make the mistake of thinking that they don't need physical affection at all - especially boys, who may be expected to keep a stiff upper lip much younger than they are capable of doing so.
I personally made it a rule to tell my children every day that I loved them, whenever the whim took me. I think that parents should make similar resolutions about holding and touching their children even if it's just letting them sit on your knee at the breakfast table, or putting an arm around your child when you read a book or look at the paper. Always give your children a cuddle as you talk over the day when you put them to bed.
Children need you
As your children get older, they often become somewhat shy about public demonstrations of affection, and even more so about the need for it. Choose private moments for this and they won't feel they're being soppy when they luxuriate in your care, attention, and love.
If you have several young children it can be very difficult to spread yourself out evenly between them. I remember a friend of mine who had twins; from necessity, she adopted a pragmatic approach to the problem. Instead of trying to ensure that each twin had an equal share of her time and attention at all times, she concentrated instead on attending to whichever twin needed her at any one moment, and assumed that over the months and years it would all even out.
This is the attitude I tried to pursue when my own children were growing up, and it is an invaluable approach for a mother of twins. Of course, for much of the time you will be giving your children equal attention, but if one demands more than the other, give it; she is asking for it because she needs it.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 30.06.2010
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