A big WELL DONE to all you new parents!
New Parents! A HUGE pat-on-the-back for the amazing positive impact you are having on your baby's developing brain.
The earliest months of your baby's life are wonderful opportunity to prime that wee brain for communication, social interactions and emotional development. But it doesn't need to be complicated - all your baby really needs is YOU!
I now run Sing and Sign Edinburgh but when my oldest son was born I had never even heard of baby signing. As a new mum I spent LOTS of time wondering "am I doing it right?" Feeding, bathing, playing, sleeping, etc etc... it was bewildering. I felt exhausted and reduced to a nappy-changing, nap-wrangling, milk-providing-machine.
Years later, I now understand that my positive impact was much greater than I realised at the time. This tiny creature was watching and absorbing my facial expressions, the tone of my voice, the rhythm of my speech. He was learning so much from the anticipation of a game of peek-a-boo or tickles. He was beginning to understand the importance of eye contact and the power of a smile. And these tiny details are VITAL for communication.
I wish I had known! I would still have been exhausted, still have been utterly frustrated trying to persuade him to nap but I would have been giving myself some credit for the little moments of connection throughout our day.
"Sing and Sign Babes" classes (for parents with babies under 6 months) have a weekly focus to help parents recognise how even the simplest of interactions is helping their baby's development. We aim to provide some distraction-free time in your week to enjoy connecting with your baby and to learn some songs and rhymes to enjoy at home throughout the week. Parents and babies enjoy lots of face-to-face time as well as gentle games, tickles and cuddles! We teach a selection of baby signs for parents to begin using at home too if they wish.
Plus there is plenty of time to get to know the rest of the parents attending the small class.
We'd absolutely love to welcome you and your baby. Please get in touch if you have any questions or book your place now (select "Sing and Sign Babes" from the class menu)
Big love to you new parents. It's exhausting, frustrating, bewildering, sometimes boring and lonely to have a tiny baby to take care of but remember - you are enough. You are all your baby needs. You are amazing.
Catherine. xx
