Page 18 - The First 1,000 Days and Beyond

Life Education
eBook

Q&A

Should we sooth and calm a child when the child is crying for
long time to the extent of throwing tantrums due to not being

able to obtain certain things or crying for whatsoever reason?
Or should we ignore their cries and let the child “learn
themselves” by realizing there is no one to console them, so

they should stop crying themselves?

A child would not throw a tantrum for no reason and most of the time,
there are many factors leading to tantrum. Not being able to obtain
certain things is the final straw that melts them down. Perhaps we could
consider whether the needs of the child are fulfilled. Children have the

need to learn and explore the world outside which is beyond the house.
How long have the child been “imprisoned” in the house? Perhaps it is
time to allow the child to venture outdoors. Let them feel the breeze and
the grass, listen to the birds and insects, watch the cats and dogs and get
connected to the world outside. This broadens the child’s mind and
shapes it to be less self-centered or less insistent on getting things they
cry for.

When baby talk in their own language, do we respond back in
their language/sound or proper adult language?

In order for a child to learn a word and speak it out, it requires thousands

of repetitions before the child can say that word with meaning. If we keep
talking to our children by mimicking the sounds they make (mum-mum,
si-si, oi-oi), they will eventually learn these “baby words” instead of the
proper language.. Hence, it is important that we talk to the child using
proper language and allow them to learn by hearing those words in
context. Again, be patient with the brain development.