Communication is a fundamental part in the development of human beings. From the moment we are born, we establish bonds with our caregivers through verbal and non-verbal language. In the case of the relationship between mother and baby, a particular and vital communication style stands out in the parenting process: mothering.
¿ What is maternés?
Maternés is a term that refers to the style of communication that mothers (or primary caregivers) use with babies. It is characterized by being a special language, affectionate, soft and full of affection. This form of communication is based on emotional connection and sensitivity to the baby's needs, allowing a secure and loving bond to be established from the early stages of life.
Key elements of motherhood
Maternés is made up of several key elements that distinguish it from other forms of communication. These elements include:
- Emotional intensity: Motherhood is characterized by transmitting intense and positive emotions, such as love, tenderness and protection. These emotions are fundamental for the emotional development of the baby and for establishing a secure attachment with the main attachment figure.
- Tone of voice: The tone of voice used in motherhood is soft, melodious and calm. Abrupt or authoritarian tones are avoided, as they can be threatening for the baby and generate stress.
- Non-verbal language: In addition to verbal language, mothering relies on language non-verbal, such as facial expressions, eye contact, petting, and physical contact. These gestures reinforce the message of love and care that is transmitted to the baby.
- Empathy and sensitivity: Motherhood is based on the mother's (or caregiver's) ability to understand and respond to the baby's needs in a sensitive and empathetic way. This emotional connection strengthens the emotional bond between both.
- Immediate response: In maternal communication, prompt response to the baby's signals and needs is essential. This promptness fosters a feeling of security and confidence in the baby, knowing that his requests will be attended to quickly.
Importance of motherhood in the baby's development
The Maternés plays a crucial role in the comprehensive development of the baby, both emotionally, cognitively and socially. Some of the most relevant benefits of this style of communication are:
Secure emotional bond
Maternity helps establish a secure emotional bond between mother and baby, which is essential for emotional and psychological development throughout life. This secure bond provides the baby with the necessary foundation to explore the world safely and confidently, knowing that it has the emotional support of its primary caregiver.
Language and communication development
The maternal communication style favors the development of language and communication in the baby. By speaking in a soft and musical tone, using simple vocabulary and repeating words and sounds, the baby's linguistic capacity is stimulated and the foundations for future communication skills are laid.
Self-esteem and emotional security
The motherhood reinforces the baby's self-esteem and emotional security, by constantly transmitting messages of love, affection and unconditional acceptance. These early experiences of care and affection contribute to the formation of a positive self-image and confidence in one's own abilities.
Emotional regulation
Through mothering, the mother helps the child. baby to regulate their emotions and manage stress and anxiety. Physical contact, caresses and a soft voice act as calming and comforting mechanisms for the baby, providing emotional security in times of discomfort.
Stimulation of the brain and cognitive development
Maternal communication stimulates the baby's brain and cognitive development by providing rich and varied sensory experiences through language, songs, conversations and physical contact. These positive interactions favor the formation of neural connections and the development of cognitive skills.
Tips to enhance motherhood
To strengthen the motherhood communication style with your baby, you can follow some tips practical practices that will promote the emotional connection and comprehensive development of the child:
Create moments of intimacy
Establish moments of intimacy and emotional connection with your baby, such as bath time, time sleeping or during breastfeeding. These special moments encourage maternal communication and reinforce the emotional bond between both.
Talk to him with love and tenderness
Use a soft, melodious and comforting tone of voice when addressing your baby. Loving and empathetic language strengthens the emotional connection and transmits security and affection to the child.
Pay attention to his signals
Observe and respond to your baby's signals and needs immediately and sensitive. Prompt response strengthens their sense of security and trust in you as the primary caregiver.
Encourage physical contact
Physical contact, such as caresses, hugs, and skin-to-skin contact skin, is essential to strengthen the emotional bond with your baby. Physical contact transmits calm, love and protection, creating a safe and affectionate environment for the child.
Establish communication routines
Create communication routines with your baby, such as singing songs, tell stories or play interactively. These routines strengthen language, creativity and the emotional connection between both, favoring their integral development.
Conclusions
In summary, motherese is an essential communication style in the relationship between the mother (or main caregiver) and the baby, who is characterized by her affectionate, empathetic and sensitive character. This style of communication contributes significantly to the comprehensive development of the baby, strengthening the emotional bond, promoting the development of language and communication, promoting self-esteem and emotional security, and stimulating the brain and cognitive development.
The practice of mothering requires attention, sensitivity and love on the part of the mother, but the benefits it brings to the baby in terms of emotional well-being and development are incalculable. Encouraging maternal communication from the early stages of life guarantees an environment of love and care that lays the foundation for happy and healthy growth.