Creating Nurturing Relationships with Infants and Toddlers Getting in Tune Creating Nurturing Relationships with Infants and Toddlers

“The closer you move in rhythm with someone, the closer you become to that person.” William S. Condon Child Psychologist

Being in Tune What happens when caregivers and young children are in tune? What do children learn? Infants who have someone in tune with them develop both a sense of security and self esteem.

Being out of Tune When caregivers are out of tune with a child: Child can become confused, frustrated, and fussy. Interactions between the caregiver and the child becomes awkward.

Getting in Tune Respect the child Let the child set the pace Recognize the child’s feelings Offer choices Sometimes a caregiver who is in tune does not appear to be doing anything special.

Getting in Tune Study Child Development Get to know your children’s families Develop self-awareness Learn the responsive process Getting in tune with children involves preparation.

Study Child Development Learn about normal (or typical) development. Understand that children are born with individual styles and rhythms. Learn about temperament.

Getting to Know Families How do families share information with you about their children? Talking with family members is crucial for learning about their culture, especially their child rearing attitudes and practices.

Develop Self-Awareness Does a particular child or behavior upset you? Does your fear for a child cause you to overreact? Do you feel you should act in a certain way?

Develop Self-Awareness Slow down and take your cues from the child. Seek help from someone else. Becoming sensitive to how your feelings affect your relationship with children can help you get more in tune.

Responsive Process Watch Ask Adapt When you pay attention to a child’s messages, you can respond in a way that truly meets that child’s needs.

Watch Go slowly. Give all your attention to the child. Learn what the baby is telling you.

Ask Ask yourself what the child is telling you Be open to receiving his messages. Be expressive. Be on the lookout for new information. Be aware of behavior.

Adapt Join in play with the child. Help the child to feel comfortable. Imitate the child. Express emotion. Be available to the child.

Responsive Process By watching, asking, and adapting you discover what works with a child. By continuing to use the responsive process, you keep in close emotional touch with each child in your care.

Create Nurturing Relationships Study child development and temperaments. Learn about families and cultural heritage. Become aware of your feelings and emotional reactions. Practice the responsive process.

Final Words As the caregiver and child become in tune with each other, they develop a deep understanding and become close. This closeness is the foundation of healthy emotional growth in infants and toddlers.