Sunday Star Times, 3rd May 2009, Michelle van Dyk.
“Top Tips for Activating Oxytocin”
Use gentle loving parental voices. Talk to your baby in a warm, affirming tone of voice.
Respond quickly and sensitively when your baby is distressed. This will help her develop feelings of security and trust in you as a parent.
Pay attention to your baby’s cues. If he averts his gaze, turns away from you or yawns, it can indicate that he is getting over-stimulated and needs a break from interaction with you.
Have robust, regular routines for young children so that there are structured, predictable routines around meals, bath time and bed time. This helps children feel safe. It also teaches them to regulate their own behaviour.
Limit the amount of time in front of the TV. Young children need to learn how to socialise with real people.
Use animated, happy facial expressions and tone of voice.
Massage your baby. Give him lots of eye contact and smiles as you do so.
Play relaxing classical music at a moderate level.
Engage in rough and tumble play when your child is receptive. Let them use your body as a jungle gym to promote close physical play and enhance gross motor skills.
For an older child, set aside a regular time when you get down on the floor and become a totally attentive play partner for at least 15 minutes. Follow your child’s lead and describe what they are doing rather than take over and ask lots of distracting questions.
Have quiet-time snuggled up in a blanket just reading stories or talking to each other.
Look for fun, warm, creative, gentle and playful times for you and your child. This teaches the art of how to be in a relationship.
– Michelle van Dyk