When it comes to parenting, as new parents especially, you are sometimes unsure whether what you are doing is right. It’s easier to gauge your child’s physical needs because often he can communicate his hunger or thirst. However, as a parent, you need to be sensitive to your child’s emotional needs as well. This is where ‘responsive parenting’ as a term comes in.Read on to know more.
Let’s get the basics right
Your child has his own needs, concerns and emotional responses to every situation or event. Your being able to recognise and acknowledge these needs is the first step, followed by providing your child with the support and reassurance he needs to manage his emotions.
What you should know about responsive parenting
When you choose responsive parenting, you become more aware of why your child behaves the way he does in response to a certain situation, for instance, whether they react angrily, or can maintain their calm.
As a mother, you need to:
- Observe your child’s body language to gauge his reaction
- Interpret these observations to understand what your child is feeling at the moment, for example, hunger or sleep
- Act upon these interpretations, so that you can meet your child’s needs at the earliest possible instance
What makes responsive parenting important
It’s not enough to only meet your child’s physical needs, because his emotional needs cannot go unanswered. When you adopt sensitive parenting, research has shown that your child has better cognitive outcomes and is more likely to grow up to be a healthy individual.
Responsive parenting improves your child’s development not just in the short term but also in the long run. Remember that while genetics play an important role in your growing toddler, the environmental factors he is exposed to also shape his responses. In the case of low birth weight infants, responsive parenting has been known to decrease social anxiety and depression.
Particularly in toddlers, responsive parenting becomes important because the lack of it may result in a negative impact on the child. When we as parents don’t respond to a toddler, it may cause him some stress, which is related to the child’s ability to learn. It also impacts his behaviour and health negatively.
How rewarding is responsive parenting?
Responsive parenting results in a more secure bonding with your child, as your child is reassured of your presence in his life. A child who is more attached to his parents is more likely to have better problem-solving skills and abilities. He will also show a better understanding of language and have enhanced social skills.
What you can do to encourage your child
Reading a book is a great way to get started, but don’t forget to respond to your child’s questions and remarks. Encourage them to identify words or pictures. Establish a relationship with your child through simple activities and pave the way for an emotionally secure and healthy future.
