Early childhood development research suggests that the interactions between children and their caregivers (babysitters, au pairs, and more) can greatly influence their emotional development and wellbeing. According to a recent study, caregivers’ behaviors, specifically responsiveness and encouragement, are essential in the moment-to-moment interactions between a caregiver and a child. Responsiveness and encouragement in care routines should be emphasized in infant-care settings and be a focus for caregiver professional development, including pre- and in-service training.
Caregivers must understand child development at every stage in order to set appropriate expectations. This knowledge helps caregivers see children in a positive light, which is crucial when we’re promoting healthy development. Here are some ways your child’s caregiver can support his or her growth and development.
Listen and interact
Caregivers who actively listen to what a child has to say show that they care about focusing their attention on them and are there to help them figure out what’s wrong. By doing this, your child is more likely to open up and express his or her feelings and emotions, and it lets your child know it’s okay to talk about them. Caregivers don’t always have to have the right words, but actively listening without interacting is oftentimes more powerful than you may think.
Be responsive
Being responsive showcases awareness of your child’s emotional and physical needs and his or her ability to manage appropriately. Caregivers who are attentive and responsive help your child to feel safe, secure, important, and loved. This approach leads to fewer behavioral and emotional challenges as he or she gets older.
Manage their own stress
Children learn by observing more than by the words they hear. Actions speak louder than words, and it’s important your child’s caretaker as well as you practice mindfulness in day-to-day life to teach children how to deal with their emotions in a healthy manner.
Show affection
Affection from a caregiver and parent is important in a child’s development. Studies show that affection can make a child emotionally happier and less anxious. You and your child’s caretaker can do this by hugging, being active and playful with your child, sharing positive affirmations, and more.
Talk, sing, and point to help a baby associate words with objects
A child learns from actions and words, therefore, it’s important to communicate with a child whether through conversation (ex. talking, singing) or through body language (ex. pointing) to help them understand how language, sounds, and body movements work. Furthermore, talking, singing, and pointing help to increase a child’s reading, math, thinking, and social skills.
Understand that children learn through play
Research reveals that taking part in playing with a child is an important way to help in their development. Educational toys, in particular, are great options for children to use their creativity, learn independent play, learn how to share, develop problem solving skills, and strengthen their emotional, physical, and cognitive development. As a child gets older, introducing age-appropriate toys can promote continuous learning and development.
Read out loud to a child
During these early stages, children’s minds are like sponges, absorbing and reiterating everything you and their caretaker do and say. By reading out loud to a child, you are introducing them to new words, growing their attention span, strengthening their imagination, helping build their comprehension, and promoting healthy bonding time.
