Attachment is the deep emotional bond between you and your child. When babies feel safe, loved, and cared for, they develop secure attachment, which helps them grow into confident, independent, and emotionally healthy children.

Attachment happens when your child learns they can rely on you to meet their needs—whether it’s for food, comfort, or love. From the moment they’re born, babies are looking for signs that they are safe and cared for. Every time you soothe their cries, smile at them, or respond to their needs, you’re helping build that sense of security.

A baby with secure attachment feels safe exploring the world because they know their caregiver will be there when needed. Signs of secure attachment include:

● Seeking comfort from a parent when upset

● Being happy to see their parent after separation

● Exploring their environment but checking back in with their parent

● Trusting their parent to meet their needs

As your child grows, secure attachment might look like a toddler returning to you for reassurance during play, or a preschooler seeking comfort after a hard day.

When babies don’t consistently get the comfort or attention they need, they may develop insecure attachment. This doesn’t mean parents don’t love their child, it just means the baby may feel unsure about whether their needs will be met. Signs of insecure attachment might include:

● Avoiding comfort or closeness with a caregiver

● Clinging excessively and having trouble exploring

● Seeming indifferent to a caregiver’s presence

The good news? Attachment is not about being perfect, it’s about being responsive most of the time.

You don’t need fancy toys or a complicated plan to create secure attachment. Small, everyday moments matter most. Here’s how:

1. Respond to Your Child’s Cues – When your child cries, coos, or reaches for you, try to respond. You won’t always know exactly what they need, but responding helps them feel understood.
2. Be Present and Engaged – You don’t need to entertain your child all day, but giving them your full attention, even for short moments, strengthens your connection.
3. Comfort Them When They’re Upset – When children feel scared or overwhelmed, they learn that emotions are safe when a caregiver soothes them.
4. Enjoy Play and Eye Contact – Singing, talking, and making eye contact during daily routines help your child feel connected to you.
5. Follow Their Lead – If your child reaches for a toy, talk about it. If they show excitement, share in it. These little interactions build trust.

Caring for a baby is exhausting, and no one can respond perfectly all the time. The good news is, you don’t have to! Research shows that babies need “good enough” parenting—meaning, if you respond to their needs most of the time, they will still develop secure attachment.

● Give yourself grace – You won’t always know what your baby wants, and that’s...

Babies are born ready to connect with the world, and one of the best ways to support their development is through serve and return interactions. These back-and-forth moments between you and your baby help build their brain, strengthen your bond, and support their emotional and social growth. They help your child grow into a confident communicator, thoughtful problem-solver, and emotionally aware adult.

Think of a game of tennis or catch; one person serves the ball, and the other returns it. In the same way, when your baby "serves" by making a sound, smiling, or reaching for something, you "return" by responding with eye contact, words, or touch.

For example:

● Your baby babbles → You smile and talk back

● Your baby points at a toy → You name the toy and hand it to them

● Your baby makes a face → You mirror the expression and respond

These simple exchanges help your baby feel seen and understood, which is key for healthy emotional development. You don’t need to engage every time, just responding often is enough to build strong connections.

1. Builds Brain Connections – Every time you respond to your baby’s signals, you help form and strengthen the connections in their brain that shape learning, communication, and relationships.
2. Teaches Social Skills – Your baby learns about taking turns, listening, and expressing themselves, all of which are important for building relationships later in life.
3. Creates a Secure Attachment – When you consistently respond to your baby, they feel safe and loved, which builds confidence and emotional security.
4. Reduces Stress – Babies who experience consistent, loving interactions are better able to handle stress and develop resilience.

You don’t need special toys or extra time—serve and return happens naturally throughout the day. Here’s how you can do it:

● Notice the serve – Watch for your baby’s cues, like sounds, movements, or facial expressions.

● Return the serve – Respond in a warm, engaging way by talking, smiling, or copying their actions.

● Keep the rally going – Encourage back-and-forth interactions by asking questions, waiting for their response, or adding something new.

● Follow their lead – If they show interest in something, engage with them about it.

Even short moments of serve and return add up. Whether you’re changing a diaper, feeding, or just making eye contact, these everyday interactions lay the foundation for your baby’s future learning, relationships, and well-being. If you miss a serve, that’s okay. Just noticing and returning later (‘Did you want to play with this?’) shows your baby that you’re paying attention and care.

By practicing serve and return, you’re not just playing—you’re helping your baby grow in the best possible way!

Serve and return interactions are simple back-and-forth exchanges between a caregiver and an infant that

Every parent wants to give their child the best possible start in life. But the reality is, adversity is a part of life. Whether it’s a stressful move, financial struggles, illness, or other challenges, difficult moments happen. The good news? Parents play a powerful role in buffering their child from stress and helping their brain grow strong and resilient.

Adverse Childhood Events, or ACEs, are stressful or difficult experiences that can affect brain development. These might include:

● Family stress (divorce, financial struggles, a parent’s mental health challenges)

● Exposure to violence or instability

● Loss of a caregiver

● Serious illness or accidents

ACEs are common and often out of our control—but that doesn’t mean they define a child’s future. Research shows that a safe, loving relationship with a caregiver can protect a child’s brain from stress.

A baby’s brain is growing faster in the first few years than at any other time in life. During this time, nurturing relationships, predictable routines, and responsive care help build a brain that is strong and adaptable. When your child is overwhelmed, your calm presence helps regulate their stress response. Over time, your child learns to calm themselves — this is called co-regulation.

When babies feel safe and connected, they develop:

Better stress management – Their nervous system learns how to calm down after stress.

Stronger emotional regulation – They develop skills to handle frustration and big feelings.

Less impulsivity later in life – They are more likely to pause, think, and make good decisions.

Stronger relationships as adults – They feel secure in themselves and with others.

Protecting your child’s brain from stress isn’t about perfection or doing everything “right.” It’s about providing a safe, secure, and nurturing environment where your child knows they are loved and cared for.

Here are the key ingredients that help buffer a child’s brain from stress:

Safe and Predictable Structure

● Babies and young children thrive on routine. Simple, predictable rhythms (morning cuddles, bedtime routines, regular meals) help them feel secure.

● They don’t need rigid schedules, just a sense of what comes next in their day.

Strong, Secure Relationships

● The most powerful buffer against stress is a loving, responsive caregiver.

● Even when hard things happen, knowing they have a safe person to turn to helps children process emotions and feel protected.

● Your support system — grandparents, siblings, extended family, or community — also helps buffer your child from stress. Connection comes in many forms.

Responsive Care

● When babies cry or reach out, responding with comfort teaches them that the world is a safe place.

● You don’t have to get it right every time—just showing up most of the time makes a difference.

Emotional...

Parenting a baby or toddler is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it’s also exhausting, overwhelming, and full of big emotions (both yours and your child’s). It’s easy to put all your energy into your little one and forget about yourself. But here’s the truth: your well-being directly affects your child’s well-being. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s essential.

Babies are wired to pick up on your emotions, body language, and stress levels. This happens because of something called mirror neurons—brain cells that help us “mirror” or reflect the feelings and behaviors of those around us. If you are feeling calm and regulated, your child is more likely to feel that way too. If you’re overwhelmed or stressed, they can sense it. It’s normal to lose patience or feel overwhelmed, especially when you're tired. What matters most is reconnecting. Saying something like, ‘That was a hard moment, I’m here and I love you,’ teaches your child that even tough times can be repaired.

By caring for yourself, you’re not just helping yourself, you’re helping your baby feel safe, secure, and regulated.

Babies and young children don’t yet know how to calm themselves down when they’re upset. They rely on us to help them. This is called co-regulation, and it’s one of the most important ways parents support their child’s emotional development.

● When your baby cries and you pick them up, they feel comforted.

● When your toddler has a meltdown and you stay calm, they learn how to handle big feelings.

● When you take deep breaths or use a soothing voice, your child’s nervous system responds to that.

But here’s the key: it’s hard to co-regulate your child when you’re running on empty. That’s why your own health, physical, emotional, and mental, is so important.

The U.S. Surgeon General has called mental health a national crisis, especially for parents and children. Chronic stress, lack of support, and exhaustion can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression, which doesn’t just affect you, but also your child’s development.

Signs of parental burnout might include:

● Feeling emotionally drained or detached

● Losing patience quickly

● Feeling like you're just "going through the motions"

● Trouble sleeping, even when you're tired

● Feeling like you don’t have time for yourself

If any of these sound familiar, you are not alone—and there are things you can do to feel better. If you’re feeling persistently down, anxious, or overwhelmed, reaching out to your doctor or a mental health professional is a powerful act of care — for you and your child

1. Ask for Help – You don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s a partner, friend, family member, or childcare provider, accepting help gives you space to recharge.
2. Find Your People – Social connection is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Spend time with other parents who understand what you’re going through. Even a short chat or a shared laugh can help.
3. Take...

Finding support for your child’s mental health can feel overwhelming, but it’s a crucial step toward ensuring their well-being now and in the future. Providing timely support is key when a child is struggling with emotions, behaviors, or relationships. These challenges can impact your child’s learning, relationships, and even physical health. This resource is designed to help you understand the types of mental health support available and how to choose the right kind of care for your child.

Mental health support is not “one-size-fits-all.” Every child’s needs are different, and the level of care required can vary widely. Some children might benefit from weekly therapy sessions, while others may find that joining a sports team or social group gives them the support they need. Being surrounded by people who love them is sometimes the best kind of support. This could be family or a friend group. Here’s a breakdown of some key forms of professional support:

• Psychotherapy: This is often the first step in mental health support. A trained therapist can help your child talk through their feelings, explore their thoughts, and find ways to cope with their struggles. Therapists might have different ways of working with your child, for example, using play therapy or art therapy.
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• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on helping your child recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns that might be causing stress or anxiety. This practical approach can teach them specific skills for managing tough situations. Another related therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), also focuses on teaching coping skills and helps manage intense emotions.
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• Family Therapy: This type of therapy involves the whole family and can improve how everyone communicates and supports one another. It’s beneficial if the issues your child faces affect the entire family.
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• Group Therapy: Group therapy involves sessions with peers experiencing similar issues. This can help your child realize they are not alone and can build social skills in a supportive setting.
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• Medication: Sometimes, a psychiatrist or healthcare professional may recommend medication to help manage conditions like anxiety, ADHD, or depression. Medication is often used alongside other forms of therapy.
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• Social Support & Community Engagement: Structured activities like sports, art classes, or clubs can help reduce feelings of isolation and boost your child’s confidence. Being part of a group activity offers a sense of belonging and can be an excellent support for your child.

When choosing the right support, remember that it’s essential to find what best fits your child’s unique needs.

Finding the right therapist can be as important as choosing the type of therapy. Here are some tips to help you decide:

• Values Alignment: Look for a counselor whose approach aligns with your family’s values. Do they understand your child’s needs and respect your family’s culture and goals?
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• Involvement of the Family: Consider whether the therapist will include you in the process, either through family therapy sessions or regular check-ins. Your involvement can make a big difference in helping your child feel supported.
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• Concrete Skills and Progress: Ask the therapist about the specific skills they will teach your child. Look for progress and ask the therapist to share how they plan to help your child develop coping...

As a parent or someone in a parenting role, it's natural to worry about your child’s well-being. With all the challenges children face today—like school stress, peer pressure, and social media—knowing when something is not okay with their mental health can be tough. This resource will help you recognize signs of trouble, understand when to worry, and learn how to prevent suicide by having open conversations and knowing what to do in difficult situations.

It’s normal for children to have mood swings or be upset at times, especially as they grow and change. However, there are some signs that may indicate a bigger issue, like anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Children and teens go through different stages of emotional and behavioral development, so mental health issues can show up differently depending on their age. Here's what to watch for in each stage:

In this age group, children are just beginning to develop social skills, build friendships, and manage their emotions. It’s normal for younger children to have occasional outbursts, but watch for:

• Excessive clinginess or fear: It’s normal for children to want comfort from their parents, but extreme or prolonged separation anxiety can signal deeper distress. This might show up as constantly needing to be close, prolonged difficulty at drop-off, distress even with a brief separation, or difficulty sleeping alone.
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• Frequent temper tantrums: While tantrums are common in younger children, having them regularly at this age—especially if they’re intense or long-lasting—could indicate emotional struggles.
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• Withdrawing from play: If your child loses interest in playing with friends, engaging in hobbies, or participating in fun activities they used to enjoy, it might be a sign of anxiety or depression.
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• Physical complaints without a clear cause: Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other physical issues that don’t seem to have a medical explanation could be a child’s way of expressing emotional pain.
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• Trouble concentrating or completing tasks: Difficulty focusing on schoolwork, constant daydreaming, or falling behind in academic performance could point to attention issues or emotional distress.

If you notice any of these behaviors lasting for more than a few weeks, having a conversation with your child or a healthcare provider may be helpful.

Children/teens ages 11-14 experience many emotional ups and downs as they navigate puberty, peer pressure, and school changes. But some signs can suggest more serious mental health concerns, such as:

• Significant mood swings: Hormones can cause irritability, but extreme or constant mood swings that disrupt daily life might signal anxiety or depression.
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• Social isolation: If your child/teen starts withdrawing from friends or avoids social activities, this could be a red flag, especially if they previously enjoyed these interactions.
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• Changes in school performance: A sudden drop in grades, difficulty focusing, or a lack of interest in school could mean your child/teen is struggling emotionally.
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• Risky or defiant behavior: This could include sneaking out, breaking rules, or engaging in unsafe activities. While pushing boundaries is normal at this age, extreme defiance may be a sign of distress.
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• Body image issues or eating changes: Early teens may develop unhealthy views of their bodies, leading to disordered eating or fixation on weight or appearance. Sudden changes in appetite or weight are important

Parenting can feel overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to supporting your child’s mental health. But here’s the good news: as their parent or someone in a parenting role, you are uniquely qualified to help them navigate these challenges and build resilience. You may not always have all the answers, and that’s okay. Understanding some key concepts and practicing a few strategies can make a big difference in your child’s mental and emotional well-being.

Struggling with mental health symptoms is a normal part of being human. It’s common to feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed at times. These feelings only become a concern when they’re too intense or difficult to manage without help. Your child might not always know how to handle these big feelings on their own, and that’s where you come in. As their parent, you can help them figure out what’s going on and how to deal with it in healthy ways.

A concept called coregulation can be extremely helpful in understanding how to help your child. Everyone has what’s called a window of tolerance. This is the zone where we feel calm and able to think clearly. When we’re outside this window—feeling overwhelmed or shutting down—it can lead to behaviors like tantrums, yelling, or withdrawal.

For children and teens, it’s especially hard to return to their window of tolerance on their own. They need a trusted adult to help them regulate their emotions, and that’s where coregulation comes in. As a parent, your calm presence can help soothe your child’s nervous system. Here are some ways you can practice coregulation:

• Stay calm even when your child is not.
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• Use a gentle voice and a steady tone.
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• Get down to their eye level or lower to help them feel safe.
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• Offer soothing strategies, like deep breathing or hugging.

When you practice coregulation, you teach your child how to manage their emotions over time.

Your child learns by watching you. If you want your child to handle stress well and care for their mental health, it’s important to model those behaviors yourself. That means taking care of your own well-being and showing your child what healthy coping looks like. The U.S. Surgeon General recently shared that parental stress is at an all-time high, which is why self-care is essential, not selfish.

Here are some self-care strategies you can use and model:

• Build a strong support system by staying connected with friends, family, or a community.
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• Get enough sleep - it’s crucial for your mood and energy levels.
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• Exercise regularly to reduce stress and boost your mental health.
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• Eat nutritious foods to fuel your body and mind.
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• Take breaks when you need them. Step away, breathe, and recharge.
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• Practice gratitude by looking for the positive moments in your day.

When your child sees you prioritizing your mental health, they learn that it’s important to care for themselves, too.

There will be times when you and your child have conflict – it’s just part of parenting. What matters most is how you handle it afterward. As the parent, it’s your responsibility to initiate the repair, even if your child was the one who started the argument.

After you both have had time to cool off, you might say something like:

“I know you were really angry just now and said some things you probably didn’t mean. Are you ready to talk about it, or...

The first 24 hours, week, and six weeks of a child in foster care joining your family.