A growing body of research has begun to dispel some harmful myths concerning human emotions. Some important findings can be helpful and reassuring to parents.
A growing body of research has begun to dispel some harmful myths concerning human emotions. These new discoveries can be helpful and reassuring to parents. Here are some important new findings:
- Negative events in infancy do not irreversibly damage the mental health of the adult. Some repair is possible if the environment becomes more benevolent.
- The behavior of an infant does not provide a good preview of the young adult. A one-year old's tantrums don't foreshadow teenage delinquency, for example. Many infantile qualities disappear as their usefulness is outgrown. Adult behavior becomes more predictable after the age of five than it was before.
- Human beings are not saddled with a fixed "intelligence" or "temperament" in every situation. These qualities are related to context and can vary in different circumstances.
- A biological mother's physical affection is not basic to a child's healthy emotional growth. More important is consistent nurturing from primary caregivers, related or not, female or male. The key is a child's belief in his own value in the eyes of the caregivers.
- A biological mother's physical affection is not basic to a child's healthy emotional growth. More important is consistent nurturing from primary caregivers, related or not, female or male. The key is a child's belief in his own value in the eyes of the caregivers.
Such issues as pregnancy insurance and daycare are very important. Buying baby furniture and supplies such as Pampers and baby food can be expensive. A new baby will take precious time away from time otherwise spent on bonding with your new spouse. Expect the new father to be jealous of the mother’s attention being given to the new child.