By Cynthia Martin

For the Sequim Gazette

It is no surprise to learn that parenting is a tough job. Ask any parent, childcare provider, or very involved grandparent; parenting at all ages is a demanding job. The pressure begins with a baby, but it goes on even after the baby becomes a driver and a voter. But let’s start with the beginning and think of ways to make it easier.

Research shows us that the child’s brain is developing faster in the first years of life than at any other time. It isn’t as if it quits developing at any time, even in adolescence, but it is just happening faster in the first five years. Those years are mostly influenced by the person who is caring for the young child.

So, what can you do to help with this brain development?

1. Talk to your baby … a lot.

Talk even when you think he doesn’t understand a word that you are saying. We know that the more you talk with your baby, the smarter he will become. He learns when he hears the words you are saying.

2. Listen to your baby … a lot.

She may not have a great deal to say in the first weeks, but she will have plenty more to say to you as time goes by.

3. Give hugs and smiles to your baby … a lot.

He is getting to know you. He needs to feel safe and secure with you and know that you are there for him. He needs to know you like him.

4. Read to your baby … a lot.

Even from the beginning, cuddle up with her and read her a story. At least show her the pictures on the page. You don’t want to spend a long time, but you may want to do it several times during the day for a brief time.

5. Be there for your baby … a lot.

You may have to go back to work, or you may be stressed because of other things in your life but spend time with your baby. During this time, turn off the television, skip the phone and just be with him. It doesn’t have to be all day, but it does have to be regularly.

Now that you know these early hints it becomes clear that they are important all the way through your child’s growing years. So, start practicing early but keep it up because you are really important to him.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which published newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents.