The benefits associated with rocking children
From birth, mothers around the world rock their children. The benefits associated with rocking are numerous. What's more, there are many ways to rock a child: in our arms, in a swing, on a rocking horse, or in a hammock.
I would like to present a poster that clearly lists the many benefits of rocking. Display it on a wall for parents to see or, if you prefer, use it as a personal memory aid.
Read on to discover information and activities that will help you take advantage of the benefits identified on the poster.
Calms and soothes
Instinctively, we want to rock a crying a child. There's a reason for that. Rocking a child helps establish a healthy heart rate as well as good blood circulation. The rocking motion helps the child feel secure and therefore has a calming effect. Rocking can also help warm a child who is cold. By rocking a child, we are fulfilling his social-emotional needs.
A hammock in your yard
There is nothing better than having a hammock in your yard. Hang it very low, close to the ground, so that children can climb in and out of it safely and easily.
Fosters strong emotional ties
Nurseries should all have at least one rocking chair. Both the children and the adult who rocks them will reap its benefits. Rocking a child makes close contact possible. In large groups, rocking a child can often lead to bonding, since it provides one-on-one time that may not otherwise be possible.
Learning to reproduce a tender act
Rocking a baby or toddler will encourage the child to reproduce this tender act. Suggest a simple imitation game. Provide dolls and blankets and encourage children to wrap a doll in a blanket and rock it gently in their arms.
Develops balance
Through rocking on a chair, a rocking horse, or a large exercise ball, children develop their muscles and perfect their balance. Sit one child at a time on a large exercise ball and position yourself in front of him. Hold the child by the waist and rock him from side to side and from front to back.
An introduction to rhythm
Whether a child is rocking on his own on the floor, sitting on a rocking horse, or in your arms, he is developing his sense of rhythm by exploring slow and fast movements. When possible, accompany a child's rocking with a simple rhyme.
Develops visual perception
When you push a child on a swing, you are also offering an excellent visual exercise. He can observe the environment from different viewpoints (above and below). Play with how you position a young baby as you rock him. He will enjoy looking around. For example, he will look forward if he is sitting on your knees. If you place him so his stomach is against your chest, he can look behind you. If you place him so he is lying down on your arm (like an airplane), he can look downwards at the floor.
Chantal Millette
Early childhood educator