LEARNING BEGINS BEFORE BIRTH

By Andrew Boggs, BA

What is it that separates a smart child from an average child, or one that struggles to learn? Its stimulation, and pre-natal care. Caring for a child begins way before birth. It begins at the point of conception. Even one cell is a start of life. If you are not prepared to be a good and nurturing parent - do the world and that unborn child a favor - just get your damned tubes tied, or have a vasectomy! Why bring life into this world, only to give it one of misery! A baby, toddler, child, is not a toy - its not something you play with, than discard. And it takes two to bring a child into this world. Cutting one parent off based by the hatred of the custodial parent of the other without real just cause is not only unfair to the other parent - but to the child as well. Even if the two parents are not married to the other, or have gone their separate ways is no reason (short of abusive and/or criminal behavior) to shunt the other parent off. Nor of using that child like a carrot on a stick to taunt the non-custodial parent - that's not only meanness, but shows a degree of mental illness on the part of the custodial parent. To that parent, I say, better be careful, or one day your own child will put you in the 'loony' bin - it's happened! Now, getting back to prenatal - this is something to think about. If you have either a physical and or mental problem (or does your mate) that is based on heredity (it can be passed down from one to the other), adopt! Use your freaking head for crying out loud! This entity you bring into the world has every right to a future - and to loving and nurturing parents. Remember, 'Garbage-In, Garbage Out' when it comes to child planning. If you are an alcoholic and/or drug addict, don't drag a child into your mess - that's not love, that's a disaster! And remember if you can't love, how can you ever think you'll get love back - it won't happen! If you are an abusive personality, you can be feared, but you can never be loved. I really had to say these things before going on.

MAKING THE MOST OF THE WOMB EXPERIENCE...

Positive stimulation is important for the fetus in development - that means a 'low-stress' environment for the mother. This is a time for mom to find ways to enjoy life and be happy. This is also a good time to begin your child's education - like food, a fetus partakes of what the mother eats, as well other stimulus. Music is an important place to begin! Go to 'Your Baby Needs Music' to learn more about it! The playing of classical music is a good start for its stimulus. Use a pair of headphones to place on your stomach if you are not into classical music yourself. Hey, 'the quality goes in before the reputation goes on', catchy slogan, isn't it! Children who have the experience of classical music in the womb, develop and achieve more than children who don't. This is where geniuses start being geniuses! Think about it! Don't be afraid to read out loud and vocalize when you are alone - your baby in the womb will hear it!

Okay, you are just home from the hospital - hopefully you've learned the important points on breast feeding and breast pumps, making formula, changing diapers and dealing with other infant child moments. Hopefully, you've also continued with the classical music experience out of the womb. Read to your infant, they may not understand the words, but its an important stimulus, because they pick-up faster than you think. Everything you do will have a cumulative effect - whether its good or bad...lets try for good! And remember, how you treat your infant to child to teenager, is how they are going to treat you when you get old - food for thought, isn't it. By-the-way, when you watch television and movies at home with your child, Run The Closed-Captioning, it is a learning tool in helping your toddler learn how to read. The more you can help your child prepare for preschool, the better. But remember to keep it fun - learning should be a pleasurable experience, not a punishment.

TODDLER YEARS...

The toddler years are between the stages of infant to child. They are quick and inquisitive entities. This is when they start soaking up information like a sponge. Be ready for it! Get a used 'college level' encyclopedia set from a library book sale, or a college. Encourage your children to look at the pictures. Don't go to pieces if the child takes a crayon to the books. It's used, isn't it? The idea is to expose the child to a lot of thoughts on its own. Yell, scream or demand learning, and the child will think learning is something to fear.

STAY AWAY FROM THE BELT AND THREATS...

No one can easily learn if the sword of Damocles is hanging over them - especially a child. If a child feels threatened, they are less likely to confide in you as a parent. Learn non-threatening ways to 'correct' your child - leave lines of communications open - don't teach violence, teach love! Give your children the tools and the place to learn. Encourage positive hobbies, for they can lead to great careers!

Submitted By MAZ