Children of all ages learn best when their environments are safe, consistent, and filled with love. Parents and caregivers who can show love while meeting the needs of children, demonstrate predictability and encourage safe spaces where children can be encouraged to explore and learn.

Children are like sponges and absorb all things in their environments, including the emotions of others. If you, as a parent or caregiver, are upset or happy they pick up on those emotions. It is important to have tools and strategies in place to help you cope with stress. One must first care for themselves to ensure your child has the best opportunity to grow and learn.

Stress is the way your brain and body respond to environmental and mental demands. Stress can affect your health. Stress affects everyone at some point or another. There are different types of stress. Not all stress is bad. There are ways to manage stress. Check out the document titled Stress Management Techniques below.

Maximize love means showing care, affection, and attention with every action. Hold, hug, kiss, and cuddle your baby and toddler. They need physical attention and comfort from your gentle and safe touch. Infants are not equipped with coping skills when upset, they do not have words yet either, so look for signals that they require a need met. They will whimper, cry, fuss, wiggle, etc. to gain your attention and send you, their signal. Respond to their needs, this helps show them that you care and are reliable and loving. Play with them. Infants love to look at your face, bright colors, being held and read to. Create a routine for feeding, bathing, and playing as children enjoy consistent schedules and like to know what to expect. Implementing these strategies can help you manage stress and maximize love.