The human brain is most malleable during infancy and early childhood. Here are three things you can be doing with your babies to ensure they are getting their mental health needs met.
1. Keep them close to your body so their nervous system can sense your presence and rely less on stress hormones.
2. Rock them and wear them around so they get the movement they need to develop their vestibular senses.
3. Mirror their emotional states so they can see that you are catching what they feel and are with them in it.
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In this video, learn why it's important to focus on soothing and supporting kids' emotions before trying to teach them, as strong emotions take energy away from the brain's thinking and processing areas, and how you can use co-regulation and language to help them grow once they've calmed down. Remember to "Connect before you correct," as Dr. Karyn Purvis said.
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In this relatable and comforting video, parents are reminded to focus on minimizing damage and staying calm during meltdowns, even when they go viral, and to practice compassion towards themselves and others during these challenging times.
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Discover why responding attentively to your young children won't make them weak, self-centered and dependent adults, as research shows that emotional attunement and responsiveness from caregivers helps children feel safe and develop better awareness and focus in relationships, whereas ignoring their emotional needs leads to heightened fear states that make it hard for them to learn the nuances of relationships - check out the recommended studies to learn more and trust your instincts for care.
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