A doctor has told parents about one thing that they need to be aware of, which can impact how your child reacts in moments of stress or unease for the rest of their lives.
As parents, one of our most important jobs is to model the behaviour that we want our children to emulate, which is a long-term goal. We may not notice it immediately, but our priority is to shape the people they will become.
One mum recently shared an eye-opening video that showed how her baby looked to her for reassurance during a new activity, and her opinion has been backed up by a doctor.
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While washing the dishes, mum Ku’uipo Dawn said that the video was ‘proof your kids’ reactions’ are based on your own. The mum was doing the dishes, something that her baby had never seen her do before, and we can see the tot continually looking at her mum during the chore.
‘She keeps checking my face to make sure it’s not scary,’ she said.
The mum ensures she is smiling at her daughter and she is just the cutest thing!
A doctor stitched the video Dr Dana Figura explains the concept social referencing which is when children look to their caregivers for how they should react in stressful situations.
She said that before they are one year old ‘babies start looking at their parents’ reactions to see if something is safe or scary.’
@kuuipodawn I love this age! Curiosity, exploring, and their personality starts to show. #whimzielogan #reactions #fyp #babiesoftiktok #curiosity ♬ original sound – Ku'uipo Dawn
‘If a toddler falls and the parent looks terrified, the toddler’s going to start crying. But if the parent stays calm they might learn that the situation isn’t dangerous.’
Pointing out how even babies of six months old are sensitive to their parents’ stress, the doctor referenced a study that found when a mother was stressed their baby’s cortisol and heart rate spike too. Even if the baby didn’t see what caused the stress.
‘Chronic parental stress can actually change how a child’s stress system develops over time, which affects how a child handles stress and anxiety later in life’.
@footdocdana They're always watching! 👀 (VC: @kuuipodawn ) #childdevelopment #parenting #babies #doctorexplains ♬ original sound – Doctor Dana • FootDocDana
