What is needed to promote positive social-emotional development in infants and toddlers?
What is needed is intimate, personal, loving, one-to-one interactions with a caregiver who feels that the baby is a delight, a joy, and is genuinely interesting to be with and interact with. Q: How can parents and caregivers build secure attachments with young children? A: Parents and caregivers can build secure attachments by spending pleasurable time in intimate bodily care, such as feeding, diapering, and crooning to sleep. During routine care, be sure to smile, stroke the little one, and talk to him or her. Tell the little one just what you are doing, such as cleaning her bottom and putting on a fresh diaper so she will feel more comfortable. If the child babbles or talks to you, respond with genuine pleasure and interest. Prolong the turn-taking talk. Spend time snuggling, looking at picture books, and sharing interests and emotional pleasure every day. Respect each child’s tempo. Some eat faster and some slowly. Some like a long, leisurely bath and feel frustrated if you hurry th
