Technology has not only shrunken the world but also helped us stay connected with our near and dear ones.
It was Neera’s 4th b’day.-an age when kids come to understand what a b’day means and are excited about it. But alas, it’s lockdown2020.
Surprise B’day Party – Tada! Cousins, uncle, aunt, grandparents, close friends all are virtually available to celebrate and double up the joy for their darling Neera.
One of the perks of technology!
Occasional video chats with relatives and close-friends helps the child to gain familiarity and stay bonded with the close ones. Studies suggests at infants as young as six months can emotionally engage in real-time video chats.
The far yet near experiences help your tiny-tots nurture bonds and social skills. Here are some ways you can use it to their advantage:
1. It’s Fun and Responsive: A child is always seeking for new experiences and what better than a new face to interact with!! The baby responds to the person on the other end with the coos, gestures, expressions, and whatnot. So make sure you use the same tone of voice for infants and toddlers to be recognized and get comfortable with their screen partner. This also helps them develop language & social skills. Besides, researchers say that video chats make it easier for babies to have a to and fro conversation than regular audio calls.
2. Break the ice: How to draw the little one’s attention?? Begin with expressing interest in whatever the child is pretending to be engaged in. For e.g. if the child is pulling his toy cart full of paraphernalia ask or comment on the objects it contains. Oh such a big car! What a pretty doll etc. is a great way to strike conversations with the little ones.
3. Use Props: Grab on to anything interesting in your house- a soft toy, how about a DIY puppet, or a ball to hold their attention. Peek-a-boo is an age old children’s classic play. Use blankets/dupattas, hide behind the sofa, or even cover your face with hands. C’mon get creative! Trust us it’s worth all the effort.
4. How about Snacking: This might need a little prep at both ends but is totally worth the effort. Have little snacks ready at both ends-fruits, chocolate, cookies, anything which the kid is fond of. This will surely make him begin interactions
5. Repeat the caller’s actions, LIVE. When the screen partner “tickles” your baby’s tummy, give your child’s tummy a tickle too. When a grandparent leans toward the screen to “kiss” your toddler, you can give him a kiss on the cheek. By taking this role, you help nurture the relationship between the child and their on-screen friend. You are being the “hands and heart” of the person on the other side.
6. Work with the technology. Use Mobile phones instead of TV or laptops. Those numerous laptop/remote keys can be distracting to the baby and take away from the interaction. In-case of any lag time and glitches in technology say if Grandma is frozen on the screen, whoever is holding the baby should explain that the internet isn’t working correctly.
Video chatting doesn’t have to be a major event and requires minimum preparation. Try and have them quite often to keep the memory fresh and going in the baby’s mind. A quick, spontaneous chat can be a fun way for distant grownups and children to feel close to each other. Just call at the right time when you know that the kid is usually awake or less restless. And don’t forget to lean in for a high five or a flying kiss to say hello or goodbye to your far yet near ones.
P.S.: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screens for babies under 18months, however they make an exception to live video chats.
So, go for it!