Feeding Isn’t Just Feeding — It’s Your Baby’s First Language of Safety

Reading Our Child’s Hidden Cues 🌿

Is your child the quiet one who keeps an eye on you?
The one who checks in to see if you’re okay — who notices when your tone shifts, your shoulders tense, or your voice rises?

Maybe they ask softly, “Mum, are you alright?” or suddenly change their behaviour — going quiet, hyper, or “acting out.”

Sometimes these children are not trying to misbehave — they’re trying to regulate you.

I know this pattern well. I was that child. Sensitive to my mum’s mood — her stress, her pace, her perfectionism.
With seven children, a shop to run, and endless pressures, she had a lot on her plate. I learned early to anticipate, to soothe, to help — to keep the peace.

If you have a child like that, pause and notice their body language:
✨ Breath holding or shallow breathing
✨ Going pale or flushed
✨ Frozen, wide-eyed, like a rabbit in headlights

 ✨ Making “silly” mistakes or talking back

Stuttering over their words - in fear

Ask yourself gently:
💭 “Is my child trying to ground me?”
💭 “Are they reflecting my state back to me?”

This isn’t about blame — it’s about awareness.

When we catch ourselves in overwhelm — rushing through homework, reacting during meal times, snapping at the small stuff — pause. Breathe.
You’re human. You’re doing your best.

And every time you regulate yourself, you show your child what safety looks like.
You’re teaching them emotional flexibility — the most powerful gift of all.

Try connecting through touch — a short massage on their back, shoulders, arms, or feet. It’s grounding for both of you.

Remember, you don’t have to be the perfect parent.
Just an aware one. 🌿

Do the essentials.
Pause. Breathe. Take the next tiny step.
You’re breaking old patterns — and that’s how generational healing begins. 💚

With warmth and understanding,
Anne Matthews