Promoting Children’s Social-Emotional Development (January)

 Understanding the emotional world of young children can be an exciting and challenging task. The National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families (www.zerotothree.org) recommends that parents use the following practices to promote the healthy social-emotional development of their young children.

 Responsive Care: Spending time with your child, observing his/her interactions, and responding to his/her needs will provide insight into the youngster’s behavior and help teach the child how to trust.

 Affection and Nurturing: Loving touches and encouraging words send a message to young children that they are special and valued. This will help build their self-esteem and teach them how to love and nurture others.

Resolving Conflict, Understanding Feelings: Sharing can become a difficult task as toddlers begin to develop self-awareness.  They need assistance in understanding their emotions and considering the feelings of others. Talking to your child about characters in books and movies is a good way for parents to begin discussions about feelings and conflict resolution.

Parents should ask questions and seek the advice of other parents and early childhood professionals.

 For more information, contact Dr. Barry Kaufman (517- 887-5259) with Clinton-Eaton-Ingham Community Mental Health (CEI-CMH).

 
---Furnished by Ingham County Great Start

Promoting Children’s Social-Emotional Development (January – Short version)

Tips parents can use to promote the healthy social-emotional development of their young children.

• Spend time with your child, observe his/her behavior, and respond to his/her needs.
• Loving touches and encouraging words tell children they are special and valued. It also helps build their self-esteem.
• Create opportunities for your child to identify and discuss his/her feelings and emotions by talking about characters in books and movies.

 For more information, contact the National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families (www.zerotothree.org) or Dr. Barry Kaufman (517- 887-5259) with Clinton-Eaton-Ingham Community Mental Health.

 ---Furnished by Ingham County Great Start

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