From the editor

HELEN SCHÖER

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ast night I decided to see how much my teenager can remember about begin little. We had such a laugh! She can’t remember being born (euw, mommy!), or having her nappy changed (euw again!), but she can remember enjoying her dummy and bottle. She was very attached. We managed to pinpoint the exact start of her memories... She can’t remember her baby sister coming home from hospital, but she can remember her third birthday party, which took place exactly one week later. “Everything was pink and there were strawberries on the cake!” Her dad baked it, so he felt really good that she still remembers it so fondly.

Missy 14 can’t remember ever throwing a tantrum. Strangely enough, I can’t remember them either, although I know she certainly did throw them. I think nature wired moms’ brains that way: the bad things fade. Intellectually, we know they happened, but the negative emotions just don’t matter anymore once a bit of time has passed. This brings me to this month’s main feature on brain development (page 20). Of course, there’s a lot you can and should do to make sure your baby develops optimally, but underlying all the advice is a big chunk of common sense: love your baby; just love your baby and let that love guide you. Then the games and cuddles and choices that build bonds will come naturally, and it’s those bonds that lead to a healthy brain. Without love, the best diet and stimulation in the world will achieve nothing. Also, rest assured that your mistakes and any tough times will fade and be forgotten as long as your bond stays strong. That’s the magic of motherhood.

Stay warm!