Six things babies need – building a relationship
The poster '6 things children need' has important information about building a relationship with baby and doing things to keep baby healthy.
Ask whānau if they’ve ever seen the poster '6 things children need'. The ‘6 things’ come from New Zealand research The Discipline and Guidance of Children(external link).
There’s a section in every Whakatipu booklet relating to the growth and development of a child. In the Whakatipu booklets, the six things are known as ‘ngā tohu whānau’.
Building a relationship with baby
Right from the start, whānau are building a relationship with their baby. This lays the foundation for baby’s future.
- Give whānau a copy of Whakatipu booklet Te Kākano (pregnancy) and show them ngā tohu whānau (page 35) – or give them a ‘6 things’ poster for their wall.
- Talk with parents about something you’ve observed or something they’ve told you and show them how it links with ngā tohu whānau. For example:
- being concerned about any aspects of health
- keeping appointments with their midwife or doctor
- getting exercise
- getting ready for baby.
- Encourage them to see the link and congratulate them for the positive steps they’ve already taken.
- Ask whānau:
- Did you consider how what you did will have a good effect on your baby’s future?
- How do you think it might make a difference?
Sample conversations
Let’s look at some of the information in Te Kākano and the things we’ve talked about.
There's a bit about giving up smoking – that’s about setting limits and boundaries. See how you’ve thought about what’s best for baby? By making a rule about smoking outside, you’ve set boundaries for all the adults who come to your home. That’s awesome. You’ve done really well. These actions will be the best for you and your whānau now and in the future.
Thinking about the future, what might it mean for your whānau to be smoke-free?
You talked about asking your mums and aunties about their experiences of having babies and what support they got from others in the family.
Look under 'Guidance and understanding … Talking to whānau about our way of doing things'. Can you see how that will help you and baby?
You say you’ve started looking for clothes and other baby stuff. That’s mentioned here in 'Love and warmth … Getting ready for pēpi'.
How are these actions creating good relationships in your whānau? Who’s benefitting?
Can you think of other things you’re doing to strengthen these important relationships?
Helpful resources for whānau
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Everyday parenting - talking and listening<
Everyday parenting - talking and listeningWatch how these New Zealand families, parenting young children, include positive parenting strategies in everyday ways.
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Everyday parenting - limits, guidance, consequences<
Everyday parenting - limits, guidance, consequencesWatch how these New Zealand families, parenting young children, include positive parenting strategies in everyday ways.
