The Nature of Nurture Free eBook

the nature of nurture
People need people. As human beings we are
drawn to others. Many studies have shown that
long before birth, babies’ emotional bonds
develop. At birth, babies are immediately
immersed into relationships with others and the
world around them. Through these interactions
and relationships, it has been proven that babies
are naturally responsive and social. Babies'
propensities for interaction and observation are an
on-going source of parents’ interest and awe. As
babies become toddlers, and grow into young
children their social interactions and observations
continue to develop throughout their lives.
By nature, human beings of all ages are observers
of the world. We are drawn to observe the events
and people around us. Through our senses, we
engage with the environment and the people in it.
From a very early age, we are capable of
recognizing and understanding complex
interpersonal messages both verbal and nonverbal
alike. Our aptitude for making sense of
people comes from a natural curiosity about the
world and relationships we encounter in it. It is
not surprising then, that connecting with people
plays a significant role in children’s everyday
lives. Children engage and connect to the
experiences they have in common with those
around them. As their relationships evolve,
children develop empathy toward one another,
and from this emerges a feeling of genuine care
for the well-being of others. Children feel good
when they help people. Daily interactions
become more meaningful when they take care
of the needs of those around them. Children’s
natural tendency to nurture gives them a sense
of purpose in the greater context of life giving
them a sense of satisfaction in how they
contribute beyond themselves. Just like
children who show a natural desire to help
others, we as parents and educators feel good
when we nurture children.