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Being a parent
Being a parent is one of the most rewarding and challenging events in life. Babies depend on parents to meet their needs. The way you care for your baby determines how he or she will develop as a child and as an adult.
The simple things are important
Many of the simple things that you do with your baby are important. Babies need a lot of touching, holding, and cuddling during the first few months. Skin-to-skin contact tells the baby that he or she is protected, cared for, and loved. Babies enjoy the close physical contact they have with you. A baby can sense your mood by the way you touch him or her. Relax and enjoy interacting with your baby. Smile at him or her.
Development
Learn about normal child growth and development so that you will know what to expect of your child at different ages but remember every baby grows and develops in their own way. When you read what your child should be doing when he or she is a certain age, remember that these charts show averages and do not apply to any particular baby. Your child may be doing something that is a month or two more advanced, or may be a month behind in a particular area. If you notice that your child is several months behind in any particular area, bring these delays to the attention of your GP. The doctor can determine whether or not there is a problem and help you know what, if anything should be done.
Feel good
It is important to feel good about yourself and your new role as a parent. You are a unique person with unique qualities to bring to the parenting role. In your role as a teen parent, feel good about the love and care that you can give your baby. Help your child develop positive self-esteem.
Communication
Good communication between parents and children is important. It can make or break a relationship. In fact, communication is the single, most important factor in determining what kinds of relationships are made with others. An important communication skill is listening. When you listen to your child, you show them that you care and that you respect him or her. Listening takes hard work and requires energy. Try to listen actively. Focus on the words and feelings.
Acceptable behaviour
When talking to children, it is important to tell them what acceptable behaviour is and why it is acceptable. Simply telling a child not to do something does not teach the child anything except not to do that particular thing. By explaining the reasoning behind the request, the child can learn. Encourage and praise your child and above all enjoy the rewarding experience of being a parent and watching your child grow and develop.
Support
Many young parents feel unsupported whilst caring for their child. Connexions can support you with all aspects of being a parent and give you information about other support agencies. Belonging to a group of young parents in a similar situation to you can be a great support mechanism, speak to one of our trained Personal Advisers at your local Connexions Centre for information on your local young parents groups; offering services to young mums and dads.
Help lines
- Gingerbread, Single Parent Helpline - 0800 802 0925
- Connexions Direct - 080 800 13 2 19
- Family Lives - 0808 800 2222
Useful websites
Gingerbread
A self-help organisation for one-parent families. It has a network of local groups, and can give you information and advice.
NHS Choices – Pregnancy Care Planner
Your NHS guide to having a baby.
Tommy’s
A charity providing pregnancy information.
Dad Space – Becoming a teenage dad
Provides information for fathers to be.
Baby Centre
Online resource for new and expectant parents.
Essex Parents
Information and support for parents and carers in Essex.
Family Lives
National charity providing help and support to anyone caring for children.
Net Mums
Online parenting organisation.
Bubbalicious
Provides information and advice for young parents.
Last updated: 31/01/11
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