What is this?
Life can happen very fast. With a baby it can feel like one thing after another, with few moments to rest. Being mind-minded is about giving yourself a bit of a pause. And using this to think about what your baby might be thinking or feeling. Then responding in a way that matches it, and saying this out loud.
It can be during happy times like play. “This is fun! You are loving this!” Or during tricky times, like changing or bath. “Ooo, you don’t like the water! Won’t be long til we get dry and warm”.
Why does it matter?
Life is all quite confusing for a baby. When we think of their feelings and thoughts, they feel safe and understood. This helps them soothe when things are difficult, and prompts them to explore and learn when they are chatting and playing. They use our response to help understand themselves as well as what is happening. Over time, they use this to start to develop independence and the skills to learn and manage feelings.
What does it look like?
- Whatever baby is doing – consider what are they feeling or thinking right now?
- Responding in a way that matches this with both actions and words
It is usually very simple things such as:
| baby is … | so we say (and do) … |
|---|---|
| Tired | “You look sleepy! Let’s settle you for a sleep” |
| Turning head away | “You’ve had enough! Let’s stop now” |
| Resisting sleep | “Your kicking your legs – you tired but you still want to play! I’ll help you settle down” |
| Refusing food | “You’re telling me you are full up? Let’s have some more later” |
| Chewing an object | “That’s interesting! How does it feel?” |
| Chewing something they shouldn’t | “You’re really curious about that! Let’s find something safer to play with” |
| Separation protest | “You don’t want to … I’ll be back soon” |
| Smiling/laughing | “You like it when I … Let’s do it again!” |
| Crying or fussing | “You sound sad/worried. I’m here, let’s make it better” |
Show me some examples!
video coming
video coming
bumps to bairns 