4 non-verbal lessons from newborns, as told by a new dad

If only there were a way to translate what your newborn were saying! Until then, we'll have to rely on non-verbal queues! Learn a handful from this new dad!

If you’re a new parent, or remember your early days of parenting well, then you can relate to the feeling of finally getting the hang of that thing they call “parenting”. Or, you think you have the hang of it, at least!

When you brought your newborn home from the hospital, there was no doubt a transition period. You and your partner were probably the most dazed and confused you’d ever been. But now, after a few weeks or months, you’ve gotten a grip on it.

You’ve adjusted to your sporadic and chaotic sleep schedule. You’re starting to master the art of diaper changing. And you can probably identify which cry means what. If you can’t truly say you’ve got any of these traits down pat, you’re at the very least improving. So, give yourself some credit! In any case, your level of expertise will only grow over time.

non-verbal lessons from newborns

Sure, you’re getting better at parenting as a whole, but there’s no doubt you haven’t had the wild thought that parenting would be a hell of a lot easier if your infant could just say what’s on his mind. IF he could just verbally convey what it is that he needs, your life as a parent would–well, it’d be grand.

However, that’s just not the way the cookie crumbles. So until science invents a “baby-to-text” translator of some sort, you’ll have to rely on non-verbal communication. In case you haven’t picked up on any of your baby’s specific non-verbal communications, writer and keynote speaker Jack Stahlman is here to disclose what he’s learned. Hopefully, they’ll teach you some lessons–if not give you a good chuckle.

Originally shared on The Huffington Post, these 4 (and a half) non-verbal lessons and queues from newborns will surely be of some use to you and your partner. Stahlman may only be a dad of 50-something days…but he’s already learned a lot, and he’s here to share what he’s gleaned:

1. Just because she’s smiling doesn’t mean he/she thinks you’re funny… it could just be gas.

As a keynote speaker, this lesson is perhaps the most humbling. Did my presentation really make them laugh or were they all just being polite? Or worse yet, was everyone in the audience farting? Look closely at those around you. You might think you’re funny, but you just might be the boss… and the boss always gets a sympathy laugh, as promotions may very well depend on it.

Check out the rest of these insightful (and laugh-worthy) tips about non-verbal lessons form newborns! Visit the next page for more!

2. You may think she is looking at you, but she could be looking through you.

Early in my fathering career – you know, since I’m a 53-day expert now – I thought my daughter was incredibly gifted at eye contact. But upon further review, most of the time she’s just zoning out. This discovery had me doing an inventory of all the conversations I’ve ever had with my co-workers through the years: Were they listening when I was speaking or if they were mentally going through their grocery list.

3. She might not know she’s yelling at you.

One of the joys of fatherhood is hearing loss due to a cute and cuddly moment suddenly erupting into a screaming session. Obviously, a baby isn’t considering your feelings and frankly, the same might be true of your co-workers. We are all working in our own lane and sometimes somebody might inadvertently say something that is hurtful/annoying/just plain mean. Unless there is a trend with your co-worker behavior, perhaps it’s best to let it roll off and give them a few pats on the back until they burp.

non-verbal lessons from newborns

4. There could be more than one problem.

Just because you’ve changed the diaper, doesn’t mean she’s not still hungry. The world doesn’t always grasp this axiom: More than one thing can be true. You may have brought in the bagels this morning but that doesn’t make up for being a buttface yesterday.

(4 1/2). Past performance does not guarantee future results.

So I calmed my baby this time! This doesn’t mean that it’s going to work the next time. And the same thing is true with communication. Repeating the same message like a record can reduce the impact. And also, repeating the same message like a record can reduce the impact.

[H/T] The Huffington Post

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