Make time for love and affection (suitable from birth)

Your child’s feelings about themselves, how confident they are and how well they cope with stress, are all affected by the way you respond to them.

If you have a warm, loving and affectionate relationship with your child it will help them feel safe and secure. This sense of security is known as bonding or attachment. When your child feels secure they are more likely to be happy and confident, and be able to handle conflicts and anger. If your child feels secure they are more likely to be curious and start exploring, which will help them develop well.

Make time for cuddles and cwtches

Giving your baby or child lots of love and attention will help you become close. Finding time to give them lots of cuddles every day will:

• make them feel calm and safe
• help them feel relaxed and at ease
• make them feel more secure and confident
• help them manage upsets and problems as they grow up
• strengthen their relationship with you.

Lots of physical contact like cuddles, being carried, stroking, holding hands and tickles all help your baby or child release natural chemicals in their body. This makes them feel good, and the chemicals also help their brain grow. You won’t spoil them with too much love or too many cuddles. 

Make time to play

Playing together is an important way of showing your baby or child that you care for them and love them. You are giving them attention and making them feel special. The time you spend playing together gives your child lots of different ways and times to learn. Your child will be happy if they have plenty of time and space to play. Playing together doesn’t have to cost much. Your time and attention is more important than expensive toys.

Make the most of everyday activities

Daily activities like bath time, nappy changing, mealtimes and dressing are opportunities to connect with your child in a meaningful way. You could give your child cuddles, cwtches and tickles during nappy changes or bath time. On your way to the shops or school you could take a few minutes to point out something that might interest them. These interactions with your child don’t have to take up much time but they can make a real difference.

Special Time

It can be really helpful to set aside some time to have some special time with your child. Ask your child what they would like to do and then join in with them. This could be playing a game, a visit to the park or reading together. By spending special time together your child will learn that you value their company. They will learn that their interests are important and this will help them to be more confident. 

Praise your child and let them know that you still love them, even when you sometimes may not like what they do. 

There are many behaviours that you may find tricky and most behaviour you think of as unacceptable is actually normal behaviour for your child’s age and stage of development. Make sure your child knows it’s the behaviour, not them that you don’t like. Use positive language to let them know your expectations e.g., “We use gentle hands” instead of “no hitting”. 

It’s OK to ask for help

You are the most important part of your child’s life. If you are having difficulty coping or you are worried about your relationship with your child, ask for help. Getting help can make a big difference to both of you. 

You may find these helplines useful:

• Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) – callhelpline.org.uk call on 0800 132 737 (24 hour service), or text ‘help’ to 81066.This is a confidential helpline which offers emotional support on mental health and related matters.
• Samaritans Cymru – call on 116 123. You can get in touch about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue.

From birth to age six is a very important time for the development of your child’s brain. Your loving interactions with your child are critical for your child’s happiness, healthy development and learning.

Where to get advice and support 

Universal parenting support and advice is provided by midwives, health visitors, GPs and your local authority. Early help programmes such as Flying Start and Families First are also available. 

Look after yourself. Meeting up with other parents can be great for your wellbeing. Your local Family Information Service will be able to tell you what’s on in your area.