Self-regulation is a complex process that involves coordinating various systems of the body and mind, including feelings. It's not only about emotions but also about cognition. Self-regulation has an impact on social development, influencing how babies and toddlers get along with others. Through self-regulation, babies and toddlers learn to pay…

Early childhood professionals know that good fathering has a profound impact on children. Research confirms that when fathers are involved in the lives of their children, positive outcomes can be expected; when fathers are not involved in their children's lives, more negative outcomes can be seen. Fathers can play an integral role as attachment…

This article reminds infant care teachers of the ways thoughtful interactions between adults and very young children teach babies and toddlers who they are as individuals. "When teachers take the time to respond respectfully and thoughtfully, babies and young children learn and thrive."

The authors explore the importance of early attachments; the effects of separation on infants, toddlers, and 3-year-olds; and ways teachers can support children and families during separations. They discuss the predictable stages of the Emotional Cycle of Deployment, a model used with military families, and strategies teachers can use to help…

Identifies and discusses a change in the theoretical bases of contemporary psychologists' views of infant development: the replacement of the constructs of energy, drive, and motive with cognitive constructs. (CM)

Points out aptitudes and personal qualities infants' caregivers should have or should acquire. Basic needs of infants for optimal development in day care are specified. (RH)

How can language and literacy enhance emotional development in the very young (birth to three years)? Although all children begin to understand their world through language and social interaction, literacy differs from culture to culture. It can range from oral stories of personal and cultural relevance to songs of ethnic pride and includes a…

Attachment and separation are the stuff of which life is made. The bonds between family and child promote resilience, self-regulation, and a positive sense of self. In this article, the author focuses her discussion on the importance of attachment to children's development. She has cited some theories that can help her explain further. For…

Addresses several important aspects of young children's involvement with security objects, including why certain children have them, how they are used, when attachments to such objects are cause for concern, and how teachers and parents can respond in ways that promote the young child's development. (BB)

Two case studies illustrate the fact that even toddlers and preschoolers who never knew their father think and have feelings about the absent father. Considers the ways in which mothers, teachers, and child caregivers can respect these thoughts and feelings. (BB)

Four questions are discussed that deal with aspects of neurological, affective, and cognitive development of infants and have implications for educational programs. (Author/SB)

Discusses the major theorists of infant/toddler emotional development. Lists behavioral warning signs of infant/toddler emotional distress or mental health problems. Describes methods for fostering babies' mental health and reducing their stress, and caregiver behaviors that promote infant mental health. (BB)

This reply to critics of early schooling includes a discussion of learning environments, attachment, child development, and socialization, emphasizing the positive aspects of early schooling. The "dangers" of early schooling are said to be eliminated when programs match the needs of children and their families. (ST)

In this paper some behavioral indices of attachment are defined and some of the factors that affect its development are considered. (Editor)

Discusses the educational philosophy of Henry Maier, a developmentalist who focuses on traditionally defined child and youth practices. Claims that children thrive in a developmentally safe environment that includes exploratory, child-paced time to manipulate objects, interact with others in sociodramatic play, and solve problems. Discusses signs…