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Babies and children need nourishment. That is an easily accepted fact. They also need nourishment or nurturing of a different sort than food or nutrition. They need emotional nourishment. Emotional nourishment needs to be provided through their sense of touch, hearing and sight. When babies are very young they need holding, cuddling, and stroking. They need to hear loving, calm voices of their parents and family members. They need to see the faces and the smiles of those same people. In fact it has been proved that infants are attracted to faces, even faces in still photographs.
As babies grow into young children they need consistency from the loved ones around them. They need encouragement in their emerging skills. They need reassurance when they are in doubt or fear. They need people around them to treat them as wonderful, delightful little people to be around. As children are accepted and treated kindly by others, they will learn to accept themselves and feel confident in themselves. They will then project generosity and kindness to others around them in turn.
All babies and young children will be curious about their bodies and all its parts. A baby will spend hours contemplating their fingers and their toes. It is natural for them to explore all parts of their bodies. Let them know that all parts of their body are good, and let them learn the proper names for them.
As children go older, the hugs and kisses can continue. You can also start to show affection in written notes and telephone calls. Continue to show interest in things that interest your child and share their enthusiasm. Do little favors for your child without expecting reciprocation. Make or buy little gifts occasionally that you know your child will enjoy. These things do not need to cost a lot of money, and it is better if they do not. The gifts should show that you know your child, and you know what they will enjoy, and that you like to give them that enjoyment.
Children learn to love, forgive and be kind, by being loved, forgiven and shown kindness. They will mirror those attributes that they have been shown. It is worth the time and effort involved to treat your children this way. As they desire to do some of the same things for others, encourage them to be thoughtful and generous towards their siblings and the other parent. This love will build a bond in your family that will come back to bless you over and over. They may not remember all you have done for them, but they will be all that you have done for them.
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