Valentine’s Day & Your Little Sweetheart
Author: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Goo-goo, ga, ga. Falling in love is fun and Valentine's Day is a great time to celebrate the new loves in your life. In this case, it's a great time to celebrate you and your baby's relationship.
Your baby is changing every day. Infancy is amazing, especially when it comes to development. There are the first smiles, then coos and giggles. The next thing you know, they are reaching for you and then running to you!
Just like their physical and social/emotional development, you may find that building a relationship with your infant takes time.
Did you fall instantly in love with your little one? Honestly? It's okay. Parenthood is overwhelming to say the least. With bodily changes, hormones and the 24/7 responsibilities that come along with being a parent, everyone feels different emotions during each part of the journey. For some, it is love at first sight. Others, it takes time to get to know this little person and connect.
Your connection with your infant develops like other relationships in life. There is the initial excitement of meeting someone new. Then, there is the getting-to-know-you stage. This is where you may currently be with your baby.
From sleep patterns (or lack of), to eating schedules (or no schedule), to simple (and complex) preferences, your relationship is new. It's new for you and it's new for baby. It may simply take time for you to connect in the way in which you have imagined. This connection doesn't have to have anything to do with love; it can simply be about the two of you working to fall into sync. It can be about the two of you communicating about how to work together. One challenge you may find is figuring out the needs of your munchkin. Chances are they will not be speaking any of their first words till they are nearly a year of age.
Take this all in stride. But also take care of yourself and reach out to your other relationships to support you if you do find a bump or two in the road. All relationships take work. All relationships take time. Enjoy this journey with your infant.
Happy Valentine's Day!
