Even before you bring them home, your children begin learning from you. As a parent or caregiver, you are their first and most important teacher. The ways that you hold, talk to, play with, and care for your young child affect how they will grow and thrive.

Secure attachments - strong, positive bonds between infants and adults - are critical to helping young brains grow. Repeated positive interactions help "wire" babies' brains to know that's what healthy relationships feel like. It is important that anyone who cares for your child be ready and willing to respond to his or her needs. When babies and toddlers know and trust the adults in their lives, they feel safe and ready to explore the world around them.

Caring for small children is demanding work. If you find that you're becoming stressed, look for others to help you. Seek out parent-baby groups. Find other moms and dads in your neighborhood. Get a babysitter and take time away.