I’ve registered to receive the messages from the website by Dr. Heinig’s team called “Baby Behaviorist” (www.babybehaviorist.com) – it is aimed at those who provide services for parents – more in-depth clarification of the information carried in www.secretsofbabybehavior.com and also additional information, as written below, to help with parent interaction.

 

So far you’ve only missed 8 posts – which you can read on their website…

 

I thought I’d send you today’s message and encourage you to also join in…

 

Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, PHN, IBCLC



 

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 <http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BabyBehaviorist/~3/Qpjb23A3_6A/baby-behavior-beginnings-engaging.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email> Baby Behavior Beginnings: Engaging Parents in Learning 

Posted: 01 Jan 2012 04:41 PM PST

 

As most of you know, our baby behavior "secrets" are not secrets at all but facts known about infancy for more than 50 years. What we have done is "repackaged" the wonderful work that has been  <http://www.babybehaviorist.com/2011/10/standing-on-shoulders-of-giants.html> done by others  so that it is usable in busy public health and clinical settings. The key features of our approach include efforts to engage the patient or participant, simplification of the information, and an immediate application of knowledge. In this brief post, we'll share some ideas about specific ways to engage caregivers. 

Terms of Engagement

Whether you are greeting a participant in a WIC office or walking into a postpartum or exam room, the first moments you share with caregivers can set the tone for the entire interaction. In our studies, participants were most likely to be interested in receiving information and advice from "calm, experienced, and understanding" people. Given that your whole interaction with the family may be less than 10 minutes, this process cannot be a time consuming one.

Here are 4 ways to help you engage quickly and effectively with caregivers:

1. Engage the baby.
    If the baby is awake and alert, a little gentle play and interaction will go a long way in helping you connect with the baby's caregivers.

2. Create a reassuring atmosphere.
   Most new parents are uncertain and vulnerable. Having a relaxed, calm and reassuring demeanor can help caregivers share essential information more quickly and completely.

3. Create a structure to organize the caregivers' thoughts and emotions.
   New parents are very tired. It may help if you take a moment to provide an overview of the visit (the kinds of questions you will ask and what you are looking for) before you begin.

4. Sincerely care about the interaction.
   Most human beings pick up on unspoken signals when interacting with others. Don't assume that your patients or clients won't know if you are really interested in their babies. The more you know about babies, the easier it is to admire their amazing talents. Keep this admiration and respect foremost in your mind and the families will know how much you care. 

There is nothing more engaging for a weary caregiver than someone who is reassuring, predictable, and shows a genuine interest in them. Funny - their babies feel the very same way.

 


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