Paradise Under Your Feet — Page 34
34 offer her Salat afterwards. Older babies who are crawling or walking should not be allowed to wander around the lines of worshippers during Salat. It is best to start with attending Jama ’ at events for a short duration and gradually increase the time as the baby grows accustomed. DAILY LIVING Establishing a Harmonious Atmosphere in the Home The birth of a new baby alters the dynamics of family life, whether it is the first child or the fifth. It not only brings happiness but also changes that can be stressful at times. So, it can be very helpful if the mother and father have established their own set of values and priorities and are in agreement on their parenting style. They should both have a clear idea of what is important to them and should let each other know what they expect from the other. For example, how much will the father want to be involved in helping with the baby? The stresses of new motherhood, such as emotional ups and downs, fatigue and sleep deprivation can all place considerable stress on the marital relationship and it is important for the couple to know that although their lifestyle has changed considerably, things do come back to normal eventually. The presence of a baby creates an atmosphere of joy and lightness in a family; babies not only need care, love and affection but their presence also produces feelings of delight and pleasure in those around them, both family and non-family. This is the time when parents develop a bond with their child, forming an intense attachment that makes parents want to shower their baby with love and affection and to protect and nourish their little one. Bonding is important as the strong ties between parents and their child fosters a sense of security and positive self-esteem, which allows the child to develop independence as it gets older. Research