When You Feel Good, Your Baby Does, Too!

You have plenty of reasons for feeling good about yourself. You have done a great job of raising this little 9-month-old baby. And, of course, if you feel good about yourself, your baby will feel good about herself, too.

When you feel good about the kind of person you are, you can tackle almost anything.

That’s why it’s important to cheer your baby on when she tries new things. Every time there is a “first” in her life, such as crawling, walking, talking, or catching a ball, praise her. This will help her feel good about herself. These are all big accomplishments for her.

And that’s why it’s important for you to manage your stress and to find time when others can watch your baby while you rest, relax, and do the things that help you recharge your batteries.

Plan some fun time for you and some quality time with your partner.

Brothers and Sisters

This can be a hard time for brothers and sisters. Now that your baby is moving around, he can get into toys and the older children's favorite things. It is also common for older brothers and sisters to rush by your baby as he tries to stand up, knocking him down. Sometimes, they grab their toys from your baby's grasp.

Babies need to form a good relationship with their older brothers and sisters. You can make this happen.

Prevent problems. Give older children a place of their own where their things are safe from your baby. A drawer that's out of your baby's reach will do. Or let them play on the kitchen table, away from your baby.

Teach children to help. Show your baby's siblings some of the amazing things he can do, and point out problems he cannot yet solve. Show them how to teach the baby new things. Suggest things they can do with the little one, such as rolling a ball to him or reading him a book. Another good activity is to say, “Where is Baby’s chin (or other body part)?" Naming body parts is a great game that brothers and sisters can play with the baby in the car. Be sure to compliment the older children when they play with the baby.

Point out to your older children how much your baby looks up to them. Show your baby’s older sister when your baby tries to copy her, how he wants to be like her. By treating an older child as a partner in caring for the baby, you will help her gain a sense of cooperation and responsibility.

Try to give each child some of your full attention each day. Your children may resent your baby if he always interrupts their time with you. You can also make special activities for “big children only.” This could be something as simple as inviting a friend over or going to a friend’s house.

When problems arise, take the time to teach children how to share, take turns, or stay out of each other’s way. You don’t have to get angry or take sides. It takes a long time for children to learn to see things from someone else’s point of view.