Couples react differently when they get the news of their upcoming baby. For many of them it is the most joyous moment but for some people it creates anxiety. They worry about “how to deal with the child during each stage of his development?”

Are you worried of the same thing? Here are some tips to deal with it.

1.Prenatal care:

• Go for regular medical check-ups
• Eat nutritious diet
• Attend pregnancy counseling program
• Do some simple exercises to relax
• Reduce your anxiety by deep breathing, muscle relaxation and yoga
• Yoga will also help you to minimize labor pain
• Share your emotions related to the child with your spouse this will help to build strong bond between husband and wife as well as with upcoming child

2.Postnatal care:

• Hold your baby to give the warmth which she needs. Breast feeding is the best way to get close to your baby
• Give your baby lots of love, affection and attention
• Take time to play with your baby this will help in brain development and establishing bond between you both
• Attend your baby immediately as she cries this will make her feel secure
• Give positive feedback when baby learn to do something new, like holding objects
• Talk to your baby this will help her learn your facial expressions and language
• Sing song and tell story to your baby this will create attachment as well as it will be learning experience for your baby

3.Toddler’s care:
At this stage child learn many new things. Cognitive, physical, psychosocial and other aspects of child’s start developing at this stage. Child’s emotional capacities also develop during this period. During the first three years of life child develops many fear. Ask your child about his fears and help him to deal with it. During this period child also displays temper tantrums. You can deal with his tantrums by talking calmly to him instead of shouting or attacking on him. Do not give punishment to him this will disturb his mental health. Understand that he just needs your attention and affection. Give him lot of love. Frequently give him hugs, kisses and caresses this will make him feel attached and secure. Give positive rewards for his achievement this will boost up his confidence.

4.Early childhood:
During this stage of life child face new challenges. Along with physical, cognitive and psychosocial development child passes through transition. Child enters school. Help your child to deal with this. Develop interest in him for school and studies. Make him learn new concepts by engaging in fun game. Play different games with him that will develop his intellectual capacity. Remember that you cannot increase your child’s intelligence level. But you can develop new skills in your child. Many children get separation-anxiety while going to school. Check with this problem of your child if it occurs regularly then consult to psychologist. Child may face many other problems during this stage of life. Different people have different experiences similarly your child might experience different things. You can improvise your relation by giving unconditional love to him.

5.Middle childhood:
During this stage of life children learn to communicate, get socialize, get along with friends. Different developmental changes also occur during this stage. Best way to deal with your child during this stage is to establish open communication. Inquire him about his fears, worries and other feelings by asking him open ended and closed ended questions. Parents can learn about new parenting skills by reading books. Reward your child for his achievement. Make him handle simple responsibilities like cleaning his room, visiting store, etc. you can develop bonding with him by taking him to park, eating outlets or to some other recreational activity. Do not punish him while teaching discipline because punishment leads to negativity in children and lower their confidence. Child may face many other problems during this stage of life. You can improvise your relation by caring for his needs.

6.Adolescence:
This is very crucial period of life. Many a time’s parents say contrary statements to their children. The common statements of parents that confuses teenagers are, “You are grown up now!” and other time they might say, “You are very small to understand this.” Such mixed messages can affect child’s thinking pattern. Talk to your child about what is right and what is wrong. Make him clear about your viewpoint.

Along with physical and psychosocial growth many sexual development occurs in teenagers. Open and clear communication is the right way to deal with different teenage issues. Be lenient and friendly with him. Authoritative or strict parenting style at this stage will create conflicts between you both. Teenagers have many queries and doubts about change occurring in them. You should have patience and try to solve those queries and doubts of your child. Peer pressure is also common issue during this stage. Peer pressure sometimes lead to other problem like addictions, early sex, teen pregnancy and so on. You can have regular discussion about daily activities, call his friends at your place, learn how they are and then try to deal with your child accordingly. Avoid criticizing his friends; instead explain him calmly how bad company can affect his future. You can also guide him in taking career decision. Avoid forcing your decision on him this will not help him to develop and become successful. You can take him to career guidance centers for counseling and knowing his aptitude.

Remember that parents are like potters who shape their children! So you can develop your child into a better personality!

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