Caring for your child starts with caring for yourself. It's important to find practical strategies to show love more and stress less. As your child grows, feeling secure in their relationship with you gives them the confidence they need to explore, learn and take on life’s challenges.
When you express your love and respond to their needs, you teach them that they can count on you. When you are upset or stressed, they feel it too.
To learn everyday ways to maximize love watch the video and explore tips for stressed babies below.
Provide lots of loving attention and touch. Babies don’t get spoiled, so there is no need to hold back on showing love.
Hold your baby close, smile and make silly sounds or faces. Play games like “peek-a-boo.” Take a break if they seem overwhelmed or try to look away.
Answer your baby in a loving voice when they make a sound or movement.
Comfort your baby when they get fussy or cry. They might be tired, hungry or uncomfortable. Try rocking them or singing a lullaby. It will take time to learn what works best.
Have consistent times and ways of doing daily activities like feeding, bathing, reading and bedtime. Routines help babies and young children feel safe and know what to expect. They also help adults manage stress.
When life gets stressful, it’s important to take care of yourself so you can be there for your child. Try sharing tasks with friends or family members, taking walks, doing a hobby you enjoy or practicing deep breathing. Try different strategies and see what works best for you. Be sure to ask for help when you need it and talk to your doctor if you often feel sad or stressed. All parents and caregivers need help.
Hug and cuddle with your toddler so they feel safe and loved.
Be supportive and encouraging when your child tries new things.
Invite your toddler to help with everyday tasks, like handing them clothes for the laundry.
Help your child describe how they feel. Let them know that all feelings are OK and that you are there for them when they are happy or upset.
Offer choices like what to wear or eat, but give a limited number of options. For example, “It’s time for a snack. Do you want an apple or grapes?”
Focus on safety-related rules like not hitting people. Say "no" in front of the thing you don't want your child to do, then distract them with another activity. Use the same rules consistently so your child learns them. Do your best to stay calm.
The Family Place Play Series will be held in person in October on Saturdays from 10-11:15 a.m. at McGovern-Stella Link.
Interested in practicing the five fun, simple, yet powerful Basics with your child? Come participate in a series of virtual Fun*Shops hosted by Children's Museum Houston in neighborhoods across Houston.
How do children learn to love? Join Children's Museum Houston educators as they explain how babies thrive when their world feels loving, safe and predictable.
