We shower babies with warmth and affection.  We nurture and nourish, cuddle and coo.  The message is clear: they are special, they are loved.  We as adults play a big part in sending the message to our children that they have value. 

Learning to walk is a balancing act second to none.  It takes a lot of falling down to manage a lot of standing up.   We offer our gentle support after they have landed on their behinds for the umpteenth time.  We smile and laugh and clap our hands as they take those first wobbly steps.  

They shake a toy, push a button, pull a lever or squeeze a squeaky toy and we smile broadly.

They say Dada and we do handstands.

They say Mama and we do back flips.

They say no and we say, oh, oh.

We start laying down some laws about what can and can not be put in the mouth, can or can not be picked up and banged on the table, can or can not be thrown from the highchair.

Safety becomes an issue and stronger enforcement of the rules may cause some little lips to curl into a frown and wails of indignant rage to fill the air.

Don't worry.  Having reasonable rules is a good thing.  Children can feel good about themselves without being in control.  In fact, being in control for a toddler must be rather scary.  They instinctively know they don't know what to do, and if the adult doesn't know, then heaven help us all!

Have confidence in yourself that your motives are pure.  Read good books that will help guide your through your baby's developmental steps. Mom's groups are excellent for support and first hand information, so be sure to check them out.

The Schoolmarm

P.S.  Why not take a look at Arlene Richard's book, That's Bingzy? It is another good source for teaching self esteem as children grow older.  It is available in the BingNote Shop (includes CD of uplifting songs that kids will enjoy and learn quickly.)