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Early Relationships Matter! December 2009 |
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In this issue: The importance of healthy relationships in the early years New WI-AIMH staff Infant Mental Health provider database Infant mental health certificate program 2010 infant and early childhood mental health conference Gifts to WI-AIMH Newsletter submissions |
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The importance of healthy
relationships in the early years
Relationships are essential for all children. Dr. Brazelton and Dr. Greenspan believe that ongoing consistent, nurturing relationships are one of “the irreducible needs of children.” Only in the context of a relationship can a child survive, learn, and grow. It is the quality of the relationship between the child and his caregiver that will determine what the child learns about the world and about himself. Will the child learn to feel safe and secure, that she is worth responding to, or will the child learn that her needs and wants are not important and that there is no one to count on? Will the child learn that interactions with adults are pleasant and rewarding, that adults make him feel respected, important, and understood, or will child learn to be fearful, anxious, passive, and curb his curiosity?
Most of this learning happens in the first years of a child’s life. These years are particularly important because they provide the foundation, the framework for every domain of human development. The development of self-regulation, self-esteem, self-confidence, the ability to form healthy and secure bonds with others, to explore the environment—are rooted in the first relationships.
When babies are born they are not able to regulate their feelings and arousal states and rely completely on their caregivers. As the caregivers provide sensitive, timely, gentle, responsive, and contingent care babies get a chance to experience how wonderfully good it feels to be regulated, which makes them motivated to try to replicate that feeling on their own. Eventually, babies learn how to manage their states and emotions. In fact, studies show that babies of parents who provide timely, sensitive, and consistent care learn to self-regulate earlier than their peers.
The brain is the only organ that changes in response to experience after birth. A child’s first relationships define the early experiences that shape her brain development. Specific neurological patterns are formed in the brain in response to the type of care the child receives. Evidently, sensitive, consistent, and responsive caregiving affects the development of the brain in positive ways. It helps strengthen the positive pathways and it is consistent with the human predisposition to experience pleasure from positive interactions. Bruce Perry, MD, PhD, argues that the capacity to get pleasure from other people creates a major positive learning tool for infants and young children. One of the most rewarding experiences for a child is attention and approval from adults. Of course, if a child did not have nurturing, sensitive, responsive caregiving then the child is not only at risk for a variety of problems, but his natural capacity to experience pleasure from human relationships is missing. This child might feel little or no joy from approval or praise, and little remorse as a result of upsetting, angering or disappointing a parent or teacher. This child might also have difficulty responding in a pro-social and empathetic way to her peers.
All children need and deserve nurturing, responsive, loving, consistent, sensitive relationships with their parents and other caregivers. This is essential and fundamental for their development and underlies their well-being.
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Hello from new WI-AIMH
staff My name is Terri Enters and I am the newest member of the WI-AIMH team. My main projects with WI-AIMH will be to coordinate the new infant mental health endorsement program, and the June 2010 conference. My undergraduate degree is in special education from UW-Whitewater. I am currently pursuing a graduate degree in Community Mental Health. I have experience in classroom teaching for ages 3 years to 21 years. I have 14 years of experience working in the Birth to 3 program in Waukesha County with Lutheran Social Services. During this time I had the wonderful opportunity to travel internationally and work with orphanages and special needs programs in Russia. I have created a play-based preschool and childcare program and am a trained consultant for P.L.A.Y. Project Home, a parent consultation program for children with autism. I am honored to serve on Governor Doyle's state Autism Council. I have given numerous presentations and training around the state of Wisconsin to a variety of early childhood professionals. I live in Oconomowoc with my husband Steve and am the mother of three wonderful children: Liz, Mike and Tom; and the extremely proud grandmother of Mason.
I am so glad to be on the team at WI-AIMH and
look forward to our work together! |
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Infant mental health provider
directory WI-AIMH is seeking out qualified infant and early childhood mental health clinicians to be included in a new provider directory. The information we collect will be used as a referral resource and is intended to help increase access to infant mental health services statewide. If you are a Wisconsin-licensed clinician currently working with young children and their families, we invite you to participate. Go to the
WI-AIMH web site to download an explanatory letter and the provider
data form:
http://www.wiaimh.org#provider. |
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Wisconsin Infant Mental Health Certificate
Program The University of Wisconsin–Madison, in partnership with WI-AIMH and the Waisman Center, is introducing a new Infant, Early Childhood and Family Mental Health Certificate Program. This is an intensive, interdisciplinary one-year continuing education program for professionals who work with children ages birth to 6 and their families. The certificate program is designed with an appreciation of the strengths and contributions of all the professions that touch the lives of young children. Participants who complete this professional development program will gain an enhanced understanding of infant and early childhood mental health and new skills to support the mental health and well-being of young children in the context of their family and caregiver relationships. Program launch is set for June 2010 at the Wisconsin Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Conference in Lake Geneva (see below). More information about the program is available at http://www.dcs.wisc.edu/pda/mental-health/infant.htm. |
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2010 conference in Lake Geneva
Wisconsin Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Conference
This conference is intended for all professionals working with children ages 0 to 5 and will provide a forum for sharing new information on promoting social and emotional development in your everyday activities with infants, young children and their families. Early intervention and treatment strategies will also be presented. Learn about programs, policies, resources and community activities supporting healthy social-emotional development within the context of care giving relationships, community and culture.
Registration will open in March 2010. More information will be available in the February edition of this newsletter and on the WI-AIMH home page.
For more information regarding becoming an exhibitor or a sponsor, please contact Terri Enters: terri.enters@cssw.org. The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is a world-class complex that has earned Travel Green Wisconsin certification for its eco-friendly practices. Its many amenities make it an ideal venue for business, entertainment and relaxation. Plan your summer vacation around the infant mental health conference and bring your whole family! |
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Your continuing support of WI-AIMH’s mission is very much appreciated. Gifts to WI-AIMH are tax-deductible and are welcome at any time. If you would like to contribute, mail your check to the address below. Gifts must arrive in our office by December 31 to be credited as a 2009 tax year contribution. Thank you! Support WI-AIMH
with your online shopping |
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WI-AIMH
welcomes submissions for publication in this newsletter. Our staff
will review and select articles based on the suitability and
timeliness of the subject matter presented. Articles on activities
related to infant mental health in various Wisconsin communities, as
well as policy updates, especially are welcome. If you have
something to contribute, please call (608) 442-0360 or e-mail
deana.hipke@cssw.org. |
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Subscribe If this newsletter has been forwarded to you and you would like to subscribe, send a blank e-mail to wiecmha-news-on@list.wiimh.org.
Unsubscribe To be removed from this mailing list, send a blank e-mail to wiecmha-news-off@list.wiimh.org.
Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health (WI-AIMH) 133 S. Butler Street, Suite 340 Madison, WI 53703 608-442-0360
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