Did you know there are things you, the parent, can do to form a close relationship with your baby. As the expert on your child, you already are aware of many ways in which you can support his or her social emotional development. The following ideas are offered to you in partnership, and may be useful to you as you continue to enhance your parenting skills.
 

Experience, regulate & express emotions:

• Be aware of his emotions throughout the day, so that you can recognize when he is happy, sad, mad or afraid.
   
• Focus on how he expresses his emotions (facial expressions, cries, body movements, play, sounds and words), and respond to them with understanding.
   
• Observe her ability to express new emotions as they develop over time.
   
• Be careful not to dismiss or avoid his emotional expressions, and patiently acknowledge, label and help him to find ways to express them in acceptable ways.
   
• Take care of your own emotional wellness, and remember that she is learning about her emotions by watching you handle yours.

Form close relationships:

• Respond consistently to him in a nurturing and warm way.
   
• Protect her when she needs help in being safe and when she feels afraid.
   
• Comfort him when he is hurt and needs to be consoled.
   
• Respond to her needs consistently and she will learn that she can rely on you.
   
• Take care of your own emotional wellness, and remember that your infant and young child is learning about emotions by watching you handle yours.

Explore the environment & learn:

• Enjoy his discoveries with him.
   
• Set appropriate limits with her, while also helping her to find solutions to challenging situations.
   
• Stay close as him as he explores.
   
• Find delight in his accomplishments, acknowledge each small step he makes and support him as he achieves new levels of development.
   
• Provide her with a small number of acceptable choices (ideally no more than 2 or 3 at a time from which to choose.