Bright Futures Infant/Child Mental Health Program
Does the term “infant and early childhood mental health” make
you think of a baby on a couch telling his problems to a psychiatrist? So
what is infant mental health?
Infant and early childhood mental health reflects social and emotional
capacities in and the primary relationships experienced by children from
birth through age five. Because young children's social experiences
and opportunities to explore the world depend on the love and care they
receive, the child and the child's relationships are central to “infant
and early childhood mental health.” It is essential to ensure
that first relationships are trusting and caring, since early relationships
provide an important foundation for later development.
Why is infant and early childhood mental health important?
The first years of life create the foundation–Brighter Beginnings–for
a child to have positive relationships, self-confidence, and the ability
to meet change and challenges successfully. Healthy social and emotional
development is necessary for success in school and in life. To grow
and learn, children need good mental health as much as they need good physical
health. Mental health is tied closely to relationships the child has with
parents and significant caregivers. Children learn how to effectively express
emotions, make friends, and explore the world around them through these
relationships.
What can happen if a child does not have healthy early childhood
relationships?
Healthy social and emotional growth promotes a range of positive behavioral
skills which develop during early childhood and grow over time. These skills
build on one another, and have a life-long impact on a person's relationships.
Key developmental skills that should be developed in childhood include
the following:
- ability to manage impulses, and regulate their own behavior
- learn to identify and start to understand their own feelings
- manage strong emotions and express them in a constructive manner
- recognize emotions and emotional cues in others
- develop empathy for others
- establish and sustain close relationships and friendships
- develop confidence, cooperativeness and the capacity to communicate
Researchers indicates that children with underdeveloped social and emotional
skills are at risk for later problems in school, work and adult relationships.
If I am concerned about a child or family, what should I do?
- Talk with the parent and get more information about what may
be happening;
- Encourage the parent to talk with the child's pediatrician;
- Recognize cultural differences;
- Talk with a mental health professional in a way that is respectful of
child and family
- Be alert for child abuse/neglect.
Should I wait until the child can talk before I refer for mental
health services?
No. Research on brain development shows that the first three years
of life are critical. During the first few months of life, pathways
multiply in the brain. As the infant develops trust and attachment, the
foundation for lifelong success in relationships and school is established.
Often mental health treatment for the parents, or parent/child joint therapy
has a positive, lasting impact.
How is infant and early childhood mental health nurtured by relationships?
Loving, nurturing relationships enhance emotional development and mental
health. When infants and toddlers are treated with kindness and encouragement,
they develop a sense of safety and emotional security. A nurturing caring
relationship provides a “secure base” from which a child can
begin exploring the world, frequently checking back for reassurance. The
more children explore and try safe new things, the more they experience
and feel good about themselves.
How does stress affect parenting?
A pregnant woman experiencing chronic stress or depression may carry those
feelings even after the baby is born. Studies have shown that chronic emotional
and physical stress can increase the release of certain hormones that may
result in the baby being born smaller. Ongoing stressors can impact the
mother
or father's ability to care for, and interact with, the baby.
Helpful messages or tools to give parents
and caregivers about nurturing children’s mental health.
- Surround children and yourself with nurturing relationships.
- Create a trusting environment.
- Provide stable and consistent caregivers at home and in child-care settings.
- Learn about and respond to children's cues.
- Learn about child development to have realistic expectations.
- Spend unhurried time together.
- Comfort and reassure children when they are scared, angry, or hurt.
- Develop routines to promote predictability and security.
- Model good relationships and healthy ways to manage conflict.
- Consider how whatever you're doing or going through may affect a child.
- Identify early signs of emotional or mental problems.
Program Contact Information
For more information regarding the Brighter Beginnings Bright Futures Infant/Child
Mental Health Program contact:
Anita Helvie, ASW 21933
Clinical Manager, Mental Health Programs
(510) 903-7522, or toll free at 877-427-7134
ahelvie@brighter-beginnings.org
Additional Resources
If you would like to learn more about infant and early childhood mental
health, the following web sites may be helpful - www.talaris.org or www.zerotothree.org
Acknowledgements
The above information was developed from the Florida State University
Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy: What is Infant
Mental Health? by Joy Osofsky, PhD. Idaho adaptation written by Carrie
Mori, PhD.,OTR/L and Carolyn F. Kiefer, M.S. Funding provided by the Idaho
Head Start Collaboration Project. February, 2006.
Go to the next Every Baby Matter Program, Black
Infant Health Program.
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