Emotional attachments begin at birth
Initial experiences between infant and caregivers are vital in laying the groundwork for healthy relationships throughout the lifespan.
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RSSLos Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 08, 2011
Some of the most enduring relationships in life exist between parents and children. What many caregivers don’t realize, however, is that the building blocks for emotional security, self-esteem and life-long happiness come together in the first days, weeks and months of life through secure attachments. In an effort to support this critical aspect of child development, Paul G. Allen’s Vulcan Productions releases Early Moments Matter, DVD and handbook to raise awareness about the importance of positive “attachment” in early childhood development. The resource guide is available for $10 at http://www.earlymomentsmatter.org, and each purchase supports the distribution of a toolkit to a family in need.
“Research confirms that emotional brain development begins at birth and is accelerated through the first eighteen months – a very stressful time for new parents,” says Bonnie Benjamin-Phariss, Director, Vulcan Productions. “Early Moments Matter profiles real parents, provides relevant research, and delivers easy-to-understand tips and activities parents will feel confident implementing in their daily lives as a new parent.”
The Early Moments Matter DVD features advice from leading childcare experts and the latest research in early childhood development, plus real-life stories to which today’s parents can relate. Additionally, the DVD is supplemented by a quick-reference resource book and magnet highlighting five small steps that provide positive long-term effects. The toolkit is part of the award-winning PBS special This Emotional Life, which explores the importance of social relationships. Early Moments Matter is based on the understanding that the foundation for trust, compassion, and emotional security begins the minute a child is born.
Throughout Early Moments Matter, parents are introduced to key concepts and empowered with useful information, including:
Learning the fundamentals of attachment – the emotional connection children form with their parent or caregiver
Responding to cues and characteristics – your baby’s sounds and body movements communicate opportunities to form a healthy relationship
Creating a foundation of security – how to respond to your baby’s needs
Understanding the importance of touch, laughter, and play – you can’t spoil a newborn, every moment matters
Additionally, parents learn how to work together as a team to provide consistent parenting in the early stages of their baby’s development, while giving moms a much needed break so they can take care of themselves.
“Emotional development begins in infancy. Initial experiences between infant and caregivers are vital in laying the groundwork for healthy relationships throughout the lifespan,” says Dr. Jessica Zucker, Los Angeles-based psychotherapist. “Attachment is a process, not a finite event, and a child’s attachment to caregivers is critical in the early stages of life. Working together as parents will provide a positive environment in which children can thrive.”
With each toolkit purchase, buyers won't just get a kit of their own, but will also be underwriting the cost of producing and delivering another toolkit to a parent or caregiver in an underserved community. The toolkit's producers have developed relationships with hospitals and community centers across the country where these additional toolkits will be distributed.
Early Moments Matter includes support for moms suffering from postpartum depression and parents with special needs children. Additionally, a comprehensive list of Parenting, Health and
Safety resources is provided for parents with a section to keep notes on developmental milestones. To learn more or purchase a copy of Early Moments Matter, please visit http://www.earlymomentsmatter.org.
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