0 Tip 179: Giving your best time that the child yearns for

As the baby grows past 1 year old, he/she learns communication and enjoys learning. The baby watches the television, sees children playing and communicating happily and hopes to have such fun. When the baby plays with other children, he/she watches other children communicate confidently and if the other adult responds positively to the other children, the baby hopes the same attention and wants to emulate good communication. This is the best time to teach the baby. The baby is like a sponge, eager to absorb as much as possible. The baby may pester the parents to read. The baby listens intently to all conversations by her loved ones and repeat phrases he/she knows quickly without prompting by her parents. This is the most important moment that the parents can give to their baby - their full attention, enthusiasm and quality communication. Though, often times, daddy can be too tired and the reading becomes dull and the communication little. This is when babies with at least 1 full time parent who loves staying at home benefits the most.

I know that the best times that I contribute to Haruka is when we go out either together as a family or for short evening strolls in the neighbourhood. Since Haruka still prefers to be carried as she can not walk long distance, this is the best opportunity for daddy to speak with her. We engage in question and answers, or to observe the birds, dogs and butterflies around us and speak about them.

The worst time is when daddy is tired and does a poor job reading to Haruka. I think Haruka is beginning to sense when daddy or mummy is doing it with enthusiam or not. It is better to spend quality time than to look disinterested and unhappy. We could do just 1 story with zest and then excuse oneself to rest. This brings to the question of whether full time parenting can make a difference. The answer is of course yes. Yet, it is more important that the parent enjoys the task of staying at home full time than whether it should be done. It is all about quality time and doing it with a smile. If you do not give with a cheerful heart, than minimise your giving to spend only quality time when you are available and happy. I am thankful that Tomomi loves taking care of Haruka. It was she who wanted to be dedicating her time with Haruka. Of course, it's not an easy job and she does get frustrated. Seeing Haruka being so attached to Tomomi and growing intelligently means mummy has done a good job. Daddy too when he is putting his best efforts.

(Photos show Waseda University and the adjacent Okuma garden with chestnuts/kuri in Japanese lying on the floor.)