In Sickness and Health: Promoting Mental Health for Infants

What is mental health? It is a condition in which children and families can experience positive social and emotional development. When does mental health development begin? At birth. Why are some infants easier to care for than others? Every infant and child has his or her own temperament, and reacts to situations in an individual manner. How can caregivers make a child feel secure? Nurture by meeting individual needs immediately (such as consoling a crying child), maintain consistency both in caregivers and in the environment, etc. Safety First: Preparing for Emergencies What is the first step in emergency preparedness? Develop your emergency plan. What emergencies should childcare centers prepare for? Contact your local emergency management agency (EMA) to find out the types of emergencies most likely to occur in your area. How many supplies should I have? A 3-day (72 hour) supply of essential items is recommended. How much water is needed for emergencies? A minimum of one gallon of water per person per day. Nutrition Action: Mealtime Struggles Mealtime struggles may be one way a child shows independence. True or false? True Parents and caregivers should maintain clear limits for mealtime. True or false? True How often should infants eat? Infants should be fed on demand. How often should toddlers and preschoolers eat? A small meal or snack about every 2 and a half to 3 hours. Medicine Chest: Stress in Young Children One way to describe stress is “pressure on the outside that causes pressure on the inside.” True or false? True All children are stressed by the same events. True or false? False Even normal growth and development events, like self-feeding or toilet training, can cause stress for children. True or false? True What is a key factor in helping children manage stress? Consistency (in caregivers, daily activities, routines, etc.) Health & You: Labor of Love What can help with morning sickness? Eat small amounts of food such as crackers. What if a caregiver goes into labor while caring for children? Plan ahead. Have several people you can call to immediately come and care for the children.