Eat healthy foods and get plenty of sleep. Exercise in ways you enjoy. Share your feelings with a trusted friend. Ask for help when you need it. Smile, laugh, and keep a light heart. Find ways to relax and renew. Keep learning and exploring. Remember that you don t have to be perfect no one is! Care for Yourself When you take good care of yourself, you have so much more peace, happiness, and love to give your child. 1
Smile, snuggle, listen, and talk. Enjoy nursery rhymes and songs together. Encourage scribbling. It leads to drawing and writing. Read with your child. Find good books and music at the public library. Use television and videos only a little, and choose well. Give your child respect and affection. Cuddle, Talk, and Read with Your Child Your loving touches, respectful listening, and kind words do wonders for your child s brain development. 2
Remember, your child will grow and change at his own pace. Encourage her when she begins to do new things. Make sure he knows he can trust you. Show her how to hold, throw, walk, jump, and climb. Arrange for friendly gettogethers with other children. Help your child solve problems. Encourage make-believe. Know How Your Child Develops Babies and toddlers are active learners. They need enough rest, good food, fun playthings, and lots of safe space to move around in. 3
Make time each day to play with your child. Have fun with games. Chant rhymes while you take care of your child. Enjoy outdoor play. Bring playmates into your child s life. Encourage sharing and taking turns. Have dress-up clothes and other things on hand for pretend play. Be Playful with Your Child Children need to play! Playing builds self-confidence, strong bodies and minds, and healthy relationships. 4
Show your home, neighborhood, and community to your child. Point out animals, plants, and people. Together, discover all the wonders of the outdoors. Help your child experience different sights, sounds, textures, smells, and tastes. Marvel together at trucks and equipment at a fire station or construction site. Remind your child of the fun things you have done together. Show Your Child the World Open your heart and senses to the wonder all around as you help your child explore our fascinating world. 5
Meet your child s basic needs for affection, food, and rest. Have a few simple rules. Be calm and consistent about them. Use do s rather than don ts. Never shake a baby. Give your child choices you can live with. Child-proof your home and create safe play space. Plan a realistic schedule. Instead of scolding, redirect your toddler s attention. Give your child words to express feelings. Praise your child for doing well. Teach Self-Control Your respect, love, and guidance will help your child learn self-control and encourage positive behavior. 6
Find a doctor you like and focus on keeping your child healthy. Wash your hands and your child s hands often. Keep harmful objects out of your child s reach. Allow your child plenty of sleep without interruptions. Consider breast-feeding your baby. Choose nutritious foods for your child. Use safety gates, car safety seats, and other approved safety devices. Take a CPR class. Learn first aid. Post emergency numbers next to your phone. Practice Health and Safety Babies and toddlers count on us to keep them strong and safe as they move around and explore. 7