Infancy & Early Childhood:  Infants and Toddlers (0 to 3 years old)

The role of parenting is very intense and has a significant impact on the newborn through age 3.  Research shows attachment to be more and more critical to facilitate social, emotional and cognitive development in children.  During early childhood it is important to foster adaptive skills in infants, toddlers and pre-school age children while the brain is still malleable and prevention is much easier.  Interventions target maladaptive behaviors. 

Simple interventions assist mothers and fathers to:

• Become attuned to baby's needs
• Soothe and calm their babies
• Establish good sleeping and healthy eating patterns
• Establish a comforting routine
• Help babies be more social and interactive
• Allow baby exploration of the world more safely
• Become a "safe base" for your baby
• Establish an enriched and stimulating environment

Childhood:

During the period of childhood, children need to be cared for and nurtured by the important adults in their lives.  They are in need of attention and regulation, comfort and safety, and routines that help build trust in their world.  Building a secure attachment and good parenting practices are essential. 

An enriched environment provides the necessary stimulation so learning can take place, fostering positive development.  Learning how to set limits appropriately optimizes behavior responses from the child. 

In my practice children of all ages are welcome.  I use play therapy with younger children, since we all know, play is the work of the child, and through play children process and adapt.

Example of childhood behaviors, that I can help parents with:

• Children who are fearful may not want to separate and could devleop separation anxiety
• Children who are nervous may whine and cry for no apparent reason
• Children who are too active and do not know how to slow down and be calm
• Children who cry or throw tantrums may be stuck in a developmental phase
• Children who cannot delay gratification and who do not obey
• Children with poor attention span who may find it difficult to learn or remember
• Children who do not know how to be sociable and/or friendly
• Children who do not have self-care skills