Becoming Parents

The transition into parenthood is sometimes a seeming less change that happens overnight, while in other instance the transition is painstaking. In my opinion most of the transition mindsets depend on what is going on in the new parent’s lives. This is why the planning stage is such an important part. I’m sure the new crying infant can sometimes be over whelming, but that innocent little baby is depending on the parent to care for them. With that being said,  a woman becomes a parent the moment she finds out she is expecting. If it was a planned pregnancy, then hopefully she was taking actions prior to trying to conceive. Actions like losing or gaining weight, stop drinking, smoking, and the use of drugs, even doing things like eating nutritiously are very good ideas. All of these seemingly little things can help get the body ready to carry a healthy baby to full term. Once the pregnancy has been confirmed if these actions haven't been taken, they should be taken immediately. Anything that can be done to help aid in the healthy development of a baby should be the primary goal.

The social and emotional development of infants and toddlers is imperative. In the early years children are so impressionable. By starting early to help an infant feel secure has been proven to aid the child being more exploratory at a younger age. According to Heath (Heath p. 136) there are enormous long and short term benefits to parental sensitivity and infant attachment. These range from less crying to being more social as young. Infants that are securely attached are able to explore their world without fear. When stressful situations occur that can use an attachment figure such as a blanky or special toy to help calm themselves. About 65% of all infant are securely attached. These infants grow into toddlers and preschoolers that are more advanced than those that aren't. It has actually been said that teachers and care givers prefer securely attached children. Obviously that is because they aren't as needy, fussy, or nervous.