It can also offer protection to children at risk for social or emotional difficulties, and serve as a therapeutic component of services to children with identified mental health problems.
Children come into child care from a variety of family situations.
Their behavior and self-esteem are deeply affected by family circumstances such as separation, death, depression, dysfunction, substance abuse, neglect, violence, and many other causes of mental and emotional stress. How providers help children handle challenges and harsh realities are important, life-shaping experiences. Understanding all of the individual fluctuations in each child's behavior and adjusting to the level of support that the child needs is an everyday reality for child care providers. Kimberly's parents and child care providers sought to understand the cause of her behaviors. As Kimberly's parents and her child care providers understood her behaviors, they could focus more on her strengths, help her compensate for her difficulties, and build her self-esteem.