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Nyack Basics: Maximize Love, Manage Stress

Information and materials related to the Nyack Basics Campaign

Why is this important?

 

Infants and toddlers thrive when their world feels loving, safe, and predictable. When you express your love and respond to their needs, you teach them that they can count on you. Over time, showing love and responding to your child helps them learn to manage their feelings and behavior. As they grow, feeling secure in their relationships gives them the confidence they need to explore, learn, and take on life’s challenges.

Tips for caring for infants

With Your Infant (0-12 months)

  • Hold, kiss, and cuddle. Provide lots of loving attention and touch. Babies don’t get spoiled, so there is no need to hold back on showing love.
  • Respond to them. Answer your baby in a loving voice when they make a sound or movement.
  • Play together. 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.
  • Comfort them. 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 a routine. 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.

Books on Caring for Infants

Books for Infants

Tips for caring for your toddler

With Your Toddler (12-36 months)

  •   Snuggle up. Hug and cuddle with your toddler so they feel safe and loved.
  • Encourage them. Be supportive and encouraging when your child tries new things.
  • Involve them. Invite your toddler to help with everyday tasks, like handing you clothes for the laundry.
  • Talk about feelings. 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. 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?”
  • Set basic limits. Focus on safety-related rules like not hitting people. Put "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.

Books on Caring for Toddlers

Books for Toddlers

Maximize Love, Manage YOU!

Take care of yourself. 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.