Babies thrive when they feel they are of genuine interest to you and are the center of your universe. They use their nine signals to express their entire range of emotions. When a baby cries, or fusses, or coos, she expects you to react with as much enthusiasm or distress as she does about what is happening to her.

Along with paying attention, reward and praise from you are essential to a child’s self-esteem. You must never forget how much your child wants to be like you and also to be liked by you. Kids need to hear that you approve of them and think they are wonderful

Some parents inadvertently diminish their children’s self-esteem by interfering with or belittling their signals for interest and enjoyment. This triggers the automatic, built-in response of shame, and shame erodes self-esteem.