The Importance of Regular Interaction with an Infant to Family Development
Infant are delicate people who require special care and attention from both parents. Inadequate parenting can have serious consequences on a child’s health and overall development. Parenting in the initial years, particularly in the first two years is considered crucial for social, cognitive and emotional development of the child. Infants who get proper care and support from their parents develop normally, and thus become successful at handling any situation in life. Parenting essentially involves regular interaction with an infant, where the first social interaction of an infant begins from establishing that he belongs to a family.
Other People Are Reading
-
Parent-Child Relationship
-
According to a research report published by Laurence Steinberg, the parent-child relationship is very crucial for an infant. This is the very first bond that an infant develops before stepping into the society and developing other relationships. The way an infant perceives this relationship largely decides how he develops socially and interacts with both family and people outside the family. A disturbed relationship is most likely to dissociate the child mentally from his family. Regular interaction with an infant helps develop a healthy relationship, conveying that he belongs to this relationship and consequently to a family.
Development of Bonding
-
Development of bonding is one of the most important aspects of parent-child relationship. There are several factors that influence attachment of an infant to his parents. These include behavior of the parents, marital relationship of parents, social support, culture and child care measures. A secure attachment helps the child better explore his environment, knowing that he has full support and cooperation from his family. The very first attachment that an infant develops is that with his mother when she feeds him. This is the first security provided through parenting and family.
-
Emotional and Social Development
-
During regular interaction with an infant, parents learn to watch for instances signaling physical or emotional needs of the child. The interaction between parents and infant is mainly completely based on the child’s constant attempts at gaining attention, support and comfort. Carefully reading the signals given by an infant is extremely important for developing a strong relationship with the family. It also promotes normal social and emotional development.
Promoting Positive Interaction
-
It’s not only important to have regular interaction, but to have interactions that are fulfilling and have a positive impact on the parent-child relationship. Talking during routine activities such as bathing and feeding, for example, serves an important purpose of introducing the infant to family culture and values.
Home Environment
-
The atmosphere at home also plays a vital role in the development of a child. An infant must grow up in a secure and clean environment. Normal family interactions such as bedtime and daily greetings are very important when an infant is in the house. Such pleasantries create a positive image in the mind of the child, helping him feel secure and loved. Also, occasions such as festivals, holidays and birthdays add special meaning to being with family, creating an unforgettable bond. Such events communicate societal and family values, enhancing the child’s identification as a family member.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit boy behind parents image by Pavel Losevsky from Fotolia.com
