quick clicks

moms today articles

moms today q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

How Your Emotions Affect Your Baby's Attitude

Bundle of Nerves? Cool as a Cucumber?

By Gina Roberts-Grey, LCSW

Your speech pattern and reduced eye contact will be immediate indicators to your baby. Babies and toddlers have an amazing ability to detect these feelings without the conscious understanding of what they are experiencing. Even though they have yet to develop their verbal language skills, they will process the emotions of their parents.

"As a nursing mother I learned that I experienced a change in my breast milk when I was under an unusual or prolonged amount of tension," says Terry Walker of Palos Heights, Ill. This change, even though it may have seemed slight or virtually non-existent to Walker, did not go undetected by her baby.

"Your child might not eat as much or appear fussy during feedings as a result of the difference," says Michelle Applegate, a registered nurse from Addison, Ill. Walker's child was one of many who are also able to detect the tension in the way he was being held during nursing. "Because you are feeling preoccupied or weighed down, your attention will not be completely focused on your child," says Applegate. "You might unconsciously alter your stance, seem rushed or less at ease to your child during feedings."

Babies whose parents are calm and relaxed or able to channel their emotions in order to alleviate stress also are affected by their parent's emotions. "These children sense you're at ease even during routine activities such as diaper changes and driving to the store," says Biegler. Your relaxed body language and patience is clearly conveyed to children of all ages. They will smile more and mimic their parents' moods. They will coo as you read to them and play contentedly in their playpens. A baby mimicking his parents' pleasant mood might seem more playful at bed and bath time or display increased confidence in his increasing abilities.

Want to see more?

• 10 Reasons to Cherish the First Year: Endearing Behaviors, Characteristics and Mannerisms
• Baby Development: First Emotions: Learning to Identify and Nurture Baby's First Feelings
• Join the discussion on our Family.com community!
• A Developmental Game a Month: Fun Activities for Baby That Encourage Fun and Development