For decades, experts have studies the importance of nonverbal
communication in adults. The idea that the body has its own innate language has
become so accepted in our society that magazines and newspapers regularly print
articles on how to read and interpret those hidden signals we all sent out.
It is universally acknowledged that adults use body languages, both
consciously and unconsciously. Studies have shown that up to 60 % of all human
interaction is based not on speech but on the subtle movement, gestures, and
responses of our bodies. This includes the tiniest reactions, such as the
dilation of pupils or a slightly increased rate of breathing, to the more
obvious signals like smiling, frowning, and establishing personal space.
Surprisingly, babies are experts on the use and understanding of
body language, as they have no other means of communication. Until they learn
to talk, children are completely dependent on body languages, and even after
they have mastered speaking, their actions still play a massive role in their
communication skills. They may not have the words to express themselves, but
they always manage to get their points across. Whether summoning attentions
through tears or smiles a baby can always make its wants and needs known.
For parents with new babies whether their first child or fourth –
life would be much less frustrating if they could understand exactly what their
infant is trying to express indeed, a child's cries can become a major source
of concern. Although we try our best to comfort small children, sometimes there
is just no knowing what a child is trying to tell us and we are left to fun
through a checklist of possibilities: is she uncomfortable? Hungry? Tired?
Scared? This is when understanding and interpreting your baby's body language
can become extremely helpful.
From newborns to toddlers, children use a wide variety of gestures
and actions to communicate with adults around them. Indeed, without them,
caring for a child would be extremely difficult. As parents many of our
responses are completely instinctive, though often correct.
Few mothers can stand still for long once they hear the distinctive
cry of distress from their own child. Any parent would find it difficult not to
smile back at a young baby when he or she smiles at you. From the moment it
enters the world, everything a baby does helps to ensure he or she is looked
after and protected by his or her parents. There are powerful biological,
hormonal and physical imperatives all urging us on to cherish and care for the
small, helpless child in front of us. It is our duty as parents and caregivers
to provide a loving, nurturing home to give our children a sense of self-worth
and confidence and also to show them the importance of understanding. We expect
them to listen to what we say and to do this we show them how gratifying it is
when they are listened to and understood.
By learning to interpret your child's body language, you will better
understand their motivations and thought processes, and instil in them the idea
that you empathise and understand them. Few things are more important to a
child.
Studying your baby's body language will not only help you to better
know your child, but will help you appreciate how your own actions can
encourage or possibly hinder your child's development. For example, when
feeding a child solid food for the first time, most people will unconsciously
open and close their mouths, make “ num-num” noises and demonstrate the action
of swallowing. All these simple gestures teach children more than just actions;
they also teach the appropriate reactions.
Children who are taught to understand learn from and respond to the
body language of others will become more confident and easy going adults. We
learn our social skills from the examples set by others, usually our parents.
With this in mind, you should remember to pay close attention to your own body
language. Babies learn quickly, and unfortunately, they pick up both good and
bad habits. If you can provide a good role model for your child by using
positive body language, it will help your child to develop into self-assured
and confident adult. A baby not only discovers how to use his or her own body
language to interact with the people around him or her, but quickly learns to
interpret the gestures of others.
As babies quickly grow into toddlers, they learn to combine their
body language with their rudimentary language skills, and should they glean any
negative habits from you, these will soon become apparent. Toddlers love to impersonate
the behaviour of those closet to them; it is how they learn to be adults, and
should any of your less admirable practices come back to haunt you, you have
only yourself to blame.
Raising a child is a wonderful, exciting, testing, tiring and joyful
pursuit. There are few times in your life that will cause you to laugh quite so
often or enjoy life quite so much. By studying the nonverbal communications of
your infant, you will not be able to read minds. However, it will give you a
better understanding of how your child really feels, and what these actions
mean. Anything that helps you to feel closer to and empathise with your child
is well worth exploring.
