Children learn in the context of important relationships. How parents and other caregivers relate and respond to young children directly affects the way that brain cells link up into networks. Studies show that children who receive consistent, warm, and responsive care in the first year of life produce less of the stress hormone cortisol, and when they do become upset, they turn off their stress reaction more quickly. This suggests that they are better equipped to handle life's challenges. Securely attached children also tend to be more successful in school and better able to get along with other children.
Children can also benefit from warm, responsive relationships with child care providers.
Child care does not weaken the bond between parent and child. Although the relationship between a child care provider and a child is fundamentally different from that relationship between a parent and a child, warm and responsive care in both types of relationships is essential for healthy development. Families and Work Institute, 1997.