Nutrition

The first months of a babies life are critical for nutrition that will set a pathway for their future health. Malnutrition is somewhat a common occurrence, not necessarily in developed countries, but when we travel outside of those, we see higher cases of it. This mostly happens due to the lack of education about the essential growing period of an infants life. Starting with breastfeeding. By breast-feeding for the first half of your babies life, you are providing them with sufficient nutrition, up to the point of weaning. “Many studies have examined the proposal that breastfeeding protects against the development of obesity later in life” (Liu, 2013). As long as the baby is feeding correctly, and the mother is healthy enough to feed, which sometimes isn’t the case, the infant is set for being properly nourished. In developing countries, sometimes mothers aren’t even healthy enough to provide for their babies, causing dangers for both the mother and the baby.

“In the first stage (birth to three months) of self-regulation and organization, the child integrates experiences of hunger and satiety to develop regular feeding patterns. In the second stage (three to seven months), the infant and parent form an attachment that allows them to communicate with each other and the infant develops basic trust and self-soothing behaviours.  In the third stage (six to 36 months), the child gradually “separates” emotionally from the parent and discovers a sense of independence or autonomy, making use of developing motor and language skills to control the environment and establish independent feeding” (Liu, 2013). Affection and attention also play a key role in the well being of a child in his/her early stages. The importance of a parent-child relationship from the time the infant is born sets the stage for the physical and mental development of that baby in its most important growing years.

Another way to keep a baby properly nourished is providing them with a balanced diet. Not one that is high in sugars, salts and saturated fats. This type of diet is directly tied to a higher probability of obesity in the future and other health risks. Some effects of malnutrition in this stage correspond with future issues such as attention deficit, and a higher probability for mental disorders to develop. You do not want to promote overeating or unhealthy eating choices right away if possible and teach the importance of moderation. One study shows that, “television has a powerful influence on the foods children request; limiting television viewing can lessen obesity” (Liu, 2013).

“Feeding infants and young children is a behavioural event influencing their growth and development. Early experiences with feeding set the stage for healthy feeding-associated behaviours in later childhood and adulthood. Parents and other caregivers need knowledge about both nutritional content and developmentally appropriate feeding behaviours. Since earlier onset of problems results in more significant consequences, prevention of feeding disorders and related behaviour problems should be targeted towards guiding the feeding behaviours of infants and young children and their feeding relationships with parents and caregivers. Obesity (especially in developed countries) and undernutrition (especially in developing countries) can be addressed only through a combination of making healthy food available, ensuring an understanding of age-appropriate feeding practices, and supporting the emotional health of families” (Liu, 2013).

 

Stress

Stress can be detrimental to a child’s health, having the ability to cause issues that may last the rest of their lives. “Childhood stress can be present in any setting that requires the child to adapt or change. Stress may be caused by positive changes, such as starting a new activity, but it is most commonly linked with negative changes such as illness or death in the family. Even small changes can impact a child’s feelings of safety and security.” (Medline Plus, 2020).

Some signs to look out for in your child may include (Medline Plus, 2020):

• New or recurrent bedwetting
• Nightmares
• Sleep disturbances
• Upset stomach or vague stomach pain
• Decreased appetite, other changes in eating habit
• Not able to relax
• New or recurring fears (fear of the dark, fear of being alone, fear of strangers)
• Clinging, unwilling to let you out of sight
• Anger, crying, whining
• Not able to control emotions
• Aggressive or stubborn behavior

Parents can help children respond to stress in healthy ways (Medline Plus, 2020). Following are some tips:

• Provide a safe, secure, and dependable home.
• Family routines can be comforting. Having a family dinner or movie night can help relieve or prevent stress.
• Be a role model. The child looks to you as a model for healthy behavior. Do your best to keep your own stress under control and manage it in healthy ways.
• Be careful about which television programs, books, and games that young children watch, read, and play. News broadcasts and violent shows or games can produce fears and anxiety.
• Keep your child informed of anticipated changes such as in jobs or moving.
• Spend calm, relaxed time with your children.
• Learn to listen. Listen to your child without being critical or trying to solve the problem right away. Instead work with your child to help them understand and solve what is upsetting to them.
• Build your child’s feelings of self-worth. Use encouragement and affection. Use rewards, not punishment. Try to involve your child in activities where they can succeed.
• Allow the child opportunities to make choices and have some control in their life. The more your child feels they have control over a situation, the better their response to stress will be.
• Encourage physical activity.
• Recognize signs of unresolved stress in your child.
• Seek help or advice from a health care provider, counselor, or therapist when signs of stress do not decrease or disappear.

As a child grows up, they will better be able to understand and cope with their stress, but as an infant and younger stages of life, it is a caregivers job to help them cope in a healthy way. Being able to identify stress and anxiety early on may help to make sure your child doesn’t struggle with these issues later on in their lives.

 

Family

A child’s family environment is a key factor to differences in development in infancy through childhood and on. As a child grows up, the goal is for them to become more and more independent.

“Once your child is born, they start learning motor skills, language skills, cognitive skills, and emotional skills. Your child will learn how to sit up, walk, run, climb, hold a spoon, and so on. These seem so natural to us as adults, but they are skills that have to be fine-tuned at a very young age, and they also reinforce your child’s independence which is essential for their development.Regarding motor skills, it is largely the family’s responsibility for teaching these skills. Language skills are another essential component of the role of family in child development. If you do not speak to your child and teach them your language, they will never learn” (Children’s Bureau, 2017).

Also, a family is a huge influence on how a child learns to deal with emotion. “Emotional skills are important throughout your child’s entire life as they teach them when to have sympathy and compassion for others as well as teach them how to deal with the highs and lows that come with life. If your child does not have proper emotional skills, they will not be able to deal with bad outcomes. If they lack emotional skills, it could lead to destructive choices when they are older. To help develop your child’s emotional skills, teaching them to smile and wave when they are babies is a good place to start” (Children’s Bureau, 2017).

Family life also has a huge influence on a child’s socialization skill and feelings of security. When raising a child, they are automatically introduced to socialization because of the automatic attachment they make to the people constantly around them, especially their mother. “When you bring your child home for the first time, your family will become their social group. Parents are the first teachers for children. What your child learns through the interactions between you and them is what they will carry for the rest of their life in regards to how to treat others. Through this socialization with family, your child will learn how to trust, seek friendships from others, and find comfort with others as well” (Children’s Bureau, 2017). If there are siblings included in this family, it will also help your child to develop social skills with people around their age. Regarding security, “your child gets their primary sense of security from their family. They rely on you to make sure their basic needs, such as shelter, food, and clothing, are met” (Children’s Bureau, 2017). Making sure your home is a safe space is vital to the development of your child’s sense of self and security. “There is emotional security at home that your child will not find in any other place. When they are at home is when your child really learns how to be themselves and express themselves fully” (Children’s Bureau, 2017).

Although no tow families are the same, teaching basic emotions and social skills is learned from day one in the environment a child grows up in. Creating a safe and healthy environment for your child to feel 100% themselves is extremely important for their future development and the relationships they will soon make in their life outside the home.