Infants and toddlers need a lot of love, attention, and patience. They need someone to show them how to do things. They need someone to tell them that it is going to be okay and try to calm them when they are upset.
When you have an infant or toddler, your day involves a lot of repeating steps to reinforce these actions. Even though this may be tiring, these steps are teaching your child skills they will use for a lifetime.
Day to day interactions help to build good relationship skills for your child while strengthening your relationship. Read a story with your child. Talk to your child while you make dinner or while eating. How a child is treated at a young age affects how they will treat people as they get older.
Be your child’s number one fan. Stay active in your child’s life to help build a strong relationship. Let them know that you are there for them no matter what. For example, when they get their first tooth, show your excitement and offer a warm embracing hug when they are crying because their mouth hurts. When they start to crawl or walk, cheer them on telling them they are doing great and that they are getting so big.
These are all ways to help strengthen the relationship with your child, strengthen their life skills and help them to have a positive attitude on life.
The goal of the Lifesteps Early Head Start Program is to support parents’ efforts to enhance children’s early development. This federally-funded program provides free services for eligible pregnant women and families with children birth to age 3. For more information about the program call 724-240-1575.
