This lesson introduces responsive caregiving and its impact on child development.
Participants will recognize that establishing strong parent-child relationships lays the foundation for later learning.
Participants will identify positive responses that will nurture the parent-child relationship and promote physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
Participants will analyze behavior cues or actions their child demonstrates and interpret appropriate responses.
Watch the video on the power of the parent-child relationship.
The Parent-Child Relationship is one that nurtures the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of the child.
What do you notice about the physical, emotional, and social interaction of the parent and child?
Babies’ brains are wired to be in relationships from birth—not just any relationships, but relationships that are responsive to their interests and needs
The infant brain literally grows within these supportive, nurturing relationships.
When adults are responsive in their interactions and meet an infant’s or toddler’s needs, then a strong foundation is created in the child’s brain that supports later learning, relationships and cognitive development.
Think about a recent interaction with your child and reflect on the following question:
● In what ways were you responsive?
Take note of the baby's behaviors and cues throughout the video. A baby's behavior tells a story.
What were some of the behaviors you noticed?
Babies at this stage are learning all about themselves, their people, and their world. They learn what to expect by the way they are treated. The messages they receive in every interaction shape their sense of self-esteem.
Young ones at this stage are developing their self-awareness and their love for learning. They learn about their world – and their competence - by exploring everything around them, with adults there to provide a secure base, encouragement.
The toddler at this stage is discovering their sense of self, their identity, their separateness and independence from others. They learn about thoughts and feelings – their own, and others’ – and the social expectations of their world. The messages they receive teach them how to cope with and regulate their emotions, and ways to be a good human being.
Remember that loving and responsive relationships give young children a sense of comfort, safety, confidence, and encouragement.
As you listen to the song By the Way, answer the following questions:
Why is it important to establish a good parent child relationship with your child?
What is one way a parent can support their child’s behavioral cues at home?
Name an activity you will do at home to support a loving and responsive relationship with your child?
Share your reflection with the other participants in your local program.