At an early age, children are unable to communicate with the world through speech. Therefore, babies seek to convey their needs to others in other ways. Crying and gestures become their main means of communication. To help parents, child psychologists have identified several characteristic signals through which a child usually expresses his intentions.
"Cleans" hair near the ear
Early infancy is characterized by frequent changes in periods of sleep and wakefulness. At the time of accumulation of fatigue, it is important to help the child calm down and fall asleep, otherwise he may overwork, become moody and whiny. Perhaps some parents are familiar with the situation when the baby is not helped by motion sickness, or mother's hugs, or the familiar lullaby. Experts believe that this behavior indicates a missed "window into sleep", when the process of falling asleep takes place most gently and naturally. How to catch this moment in time and what to pay attention to?
A number of non-verbal signs in behavior indicate readiness for sleep. The infant can move his hand near the ear, as if removing invisible hair. His fixed gaze lingers on some object for a long time, and his favorite toys do not arouse usual interest. The child may ask for hands, but at the same time does not want to make contact with an adult. All these non-verbal gestures indicate that the baby is ready for sleep. To avoid fatigue, you can safely proceed to familiar rituals - changing clothes, bathing, feeding, motion sickness.
Catches the eye of an adult
During the waking period, the infant actively explores the world. True, not all the time while he is awake, the child wants to communicate with adults, participate in developmental games or study toys. Readiness for cognitive activity can be determined by a number of signals. For example, a child tries to catch the eye of an adult, actively moves his legs and arms, and reaches for toys himself. At this moment, he is completely ready to interact and master something new.
If the baby throws out toys, avoids eye contact, squirms and bends, it is time for him to switch to calm wakefulness - to be alone or just lie down next to his mother.
Crosses his arms in front of him
Vivienne Sabel, a British psychotherapist and author of the book "The Blossom Method: A Revolutionary Way to Communicate with a Child from Birth", made interesting conclusions about the methods of infant communication. She was raised by a deaf-mute mother, so Dr. Sabel is fluent in sign language and from early childhood she learned the subtleties of non-verbal communication. Later, based on her unique experience, the specialist created her own method of communicating with young children. She tested the theory on her daughter Blossom, so she later named the scientific work in her honor. According to the author, following her advice, everyone will be able to understand the needs of their child from the first days of life.
The problem for parents is that they tend to misjudge children's gestures, comparing their behavior with adults. For example, when a baby begins to sit, crawl and walk, his sign language is enriched, but is often misread by others.
If a child crosses his arms at the sight of a new toy, then this gesture is most often regarded as an unwillingness to play with it. After all, adults in this way usually close themselves off from the outside world. But in toddlers, this behavior is an expression of insecurity. Although they are curious, at the sight of a new toy they may feel indecision, fear of exploring something unfamiliar. Parents should not rush the child or immediately hide the toy. In most cases, he himself will muster up the courage and begin to explore it.
Keeps fingers in mouth
It is common for young children to suck their fingers when they are hungry or uncomfortable with teething. If the child is not worried about any of these reasons, he sends his parents a signal of increased anxiety and fatigue. Perhaps he does not have enough attention, affection, or there is increased excitability after long watching cartoons.
In order to gently and painlessly wean a baby from a bad habit, it is important to find the cause of his anxiety and eliminate it.
Pushes parents away and runs away
The first years of life for a baby are the parents who are the center of the universe. It is not for nothing that many mothers complain that, having barely learned to walk, children literally follow on their heels, not wanting to be alone for a minute. All the more surprising for an adult is the situation when the child suddenly starts to run away and push him away. This behavior is usually regarded as a manifestation of resentment, anger, discontent.
Dr. Vivienne Sabel sees in this, rather, a new stage in the development of personality. The child seems to say: "I want to do it myself!" He develops confidence in himself and the world around him, and, therefore, the time for independent research comes.
Stretches her arms up and tilts her head to the side
Usually, such gestures on the part of the child are accompanied by an expression of resentment and discontent on the face. Parents think that he is upset about something and does not want to make contact. In fact, open palms are a sign of trust, and a bowed head expresses friendliness. In this way, the kid tries to say: "Do not be angry with me, let's put up!"
Hides at the sight of strangers
In the first years of life, children rarely come into contact with strangers. When this happens, they sometimes try to hide, running away from the room, turning away or even pulling clothes over their heads. But do not think that this behavior is a manifestation of hostility. The child tries to say: "Stop looking at me, I am not!"
In fact, he just needs time to cope with anxiety at the sight of a stranger, and close attention gets in the way. As soon as the baby is left alone, he will feel safe, and natural curiosity will sooner or later push him to leave his hiding place.
