Enjoying Crazy Love

This month of romance makes me think of Urie Bronfenbrenner’s belief that “every child deserves at least one adult who is absolutely crazy about them.” I also think about when my daughter Sarah was born and I could spend hours just holding her, watching her every smile, thinking “how could I ever not be in love with this incredible child?” Of course that was before she turned four and decided to actually have a mind of her own and long before I became so very stupid and ridiculous during her teen years. It was the hours of pure adoration that got us through those years.
Even though you’re probably tired of hearing “enjoy this time, it goes so fast,” it really is the truth. It does go so fast. Slow down. Enjoy this love affair. You only have 365 days of infancy and 365 days of toddlerhood, that’s it . . .
all there is. Savor these first two years of your baby’s life; you’ll never get them back again.

And contrary to popular mother and/or mother-in-law belief, you cannot love your baby too much. No such thing. Before you know it, you’ll have to leave your role of adoring servant and strap on the armor of tamer, socializer and
disciplinarian. For now, love the stuffin’ out your baby and enjoy your crazy love.

Love Notions

• For husbands, get a T-shirt or express the sentiment that says Love Is Patient.
• Infants who are held and cuddled tend to cry less, sleep longer and have longer periods of quiet alertness.
• Years from now, your toddler will not remember that your house was clean or the beds were made, but she’ll remember the time you spent with her.
• Having an adult who is “absolutely crazy” about them creates a secure attachment that allows children to venture out into the world to explore, learn and grow.
• Children also thrive on Dad’s crazy love. Studies show that when fathers are involved in babies’ lives, children show more sense of humor, have longer attention spans, more eagerness to learn and an enriched
self-image.
• Share the love. Grandparents bring unconditional and undemanding crazy love.

Books to Read With Them

Counting Kisses by Karen Katz (Margaret K. McElderry, $10)

Daddy and Me by Karen Katz (Margaret K. McElderry, $10)

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (HarperCollins, $11)

I Love My Mommy/Daddy Because by Laurel Porter-Gaylord (Dutton, $7.99)

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch (Firefly, $5.95)

My Little Miracle by J. Beck (Cartwheel Books, $6.99)

Cindi Swernofsky is director of Early Childhood Services for Child Care Council of Nassau, Inc.