Your baby: 8.5 months old
By admin
Updated Apr 23, 2019
The secret to enjoying parenting
Are today’s parents enjoying parenting less than in previous generations? One study suggests this is the case, perhaps because parents are too isolated, feel the pressure to turn out perfect kids, or are just too busy to embrace the joyful moments. Learn the real secret to enjoying parenting.
Read more: 6 must-have apps for new moms>
Your brainy baby Did you know that a child's brain grows more during her first year than any other time of her life? In fact, your baby's brain will have doubled in volume by her first birthday.
Right now, your baby is developing neurons, and those neurons are forming connections (or synapses) from her brain to other cells in her body, so her brain can send and receive signals. When she was born, the only neural connections in place were those needed to regulate basic functions of life, such as breathing and heartbeat. But as your baby builds neural connections, she develops the ability to smile, roll over, sit, walk and talk.
How does she build these connections? By interacting with you and her environment.
Tips from the trenches “Don't be afraid to take some time for yourself. If Mommy isn't happy, nobody is happy!” — Tara, mom of three
Starting daycare You may be looking ahead to your return to work and the start of daycare for your baby. It’s tough for everyone, so know that you’re not alone if you’re feeling anxious or teary about leaving your sweetums in the care of strangers. However, there are lots of things you can do to ease the transition for both of you.
Read more: Daycare germs: What you need to know>
Did you know? More than half of dads surveyed in a recent poll would gladly take a 10 percent pay cut to gain 10 percent more time with their kids. Seventy-one percent said they feel guilty when duties at work cut into family time.
Read more: Battling work-life balance>
Originally published on Oct. 20, 2011.