Ah, I’m sure we’d all be refreshed if we stopped for a mid-day nap but the research continues to report the advantages of a baby’s nap. It might be a hassle to fit in naps throughout a busy day, but reading research like this helps to understand the necessity of a schedule.
An overview on some important things to talk about and do in early childhood development.
Imagine if we could have these types of discussions. That companies could offer flexibility for parents who wanted to be home with their children without risking the loss of their job. This is a discussion about the value of the early years and the investment in families.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/11/six-year-parental-leave-employers
The research has been strong for a LONG time now, so much so, I’m not even sure why researchers continue to need to prove it. Talking and reading to babies from day one (maybe even conception!) will boost their vocabulary and communication skills and most likely improve the parent child relationship.
As babies grow in your language filled family, they get their needs met. They are less frustrated. Therefore, there are more positive interactions with your little one and less negative. Imagine a clearer form of communicating, imagine less tantrums, imagine being able to express feelings to each other, imagine a life of respect and trust in listening to what you each have to say.
It all starts with your newborn.
Read about the newest research here in a Guardian article.
I was a program coordinator for an early intervention center for many years. During this time, I couldn’t help but question the environmental factors as we watched our autism enrollment rise. Families questioned it as well, especially those who lived near the refinery.
Then I began to look around in the classrooms. We were using pretty heavy duty cleansers to clean the floors where babies crawled and tables where toddlers ate, even outside where the children played.
The playground is what really shocked me. I remember looking out to the yard and seeing a few people clad in full white suits spraying around the playground while the children played nearby. When I questioned it, I was told it was pesticide to keep pests away. Pests? We are spraying toxic pesticides in areas where kids roll around, pick weeds and build sand castles. Many of the children had medical concerns. The only response I got was to switch the company’s time to when the children and families were not present, so they wouldn’t see. And the other suggestions about more gentle cleansers? I was always amazed at the range of excuses, licensing this, bought it in bulk that, but it never changed while I was working there.
Things we do can make a difference. This article briefly talks about many chemicals that have found their way into our products and water system, but with some knowledge (and some protesting) perhaps we can help prevent future diagnosis and keep our little ones healthier.