Diapering
Diapering is a wonderful opportunity for parents to bond with their children by smiling, talking, or singing with them and interacting intimately. As is the case when feeding an infant, the parent and child are the perfect arm’s-length distance for eye contact. Of course, feeding a child is always more than just nourishing him or her—it is another time for deep, pleasurable connection. Diapering time is also a prime opportunity to give positive messages to your child about his or her body and its functions.
By listening to the words you use in the course of diapering, parents can also begin to notice what they are communicating to their child about his or her body. For example, if a parent is uncomfortable with bodily messes, the infant might learn from her parent's rersponses that her dirty diaper is “stinky,” “gross,” or “disgusting.” But a more at-ease parent might communicate to the child how well his body is working and send a very different message.
See also:
Body/Body Awareness
Mindful Parenting
Mindful Parenting Groups
Touch