What you do in the first years of a child's life directly impacts the adult they will become. New research tells us that the first years of a child's life are more important for emotional and intellectual growth than ever thought before. Young children need a variety of experiences in those first years. C uddle your child When children receive warm, responsive care, they are more likely to feel safe and secure with adults who take care of them.
R ecognize each child's uniqueness Children grow at different rates.
Their ideas and feelings about themselves reflect, in large measure, parents' and caregivers' attitude toward them. If you have questions or concerns about your child's development, contact your local health department or your local school system for school-age children. E xplore with your child As infants grow, they begin to explore the world beyond their caregivers. Parents should encourage this exploration. Children actually learn through playing.