Infant Mental Health
Importance of Optimal Mental Health
Secure attachment with caregivers is important as it helps shape certain connections in the brain that will develop areas associated with stress and well-being.
Optimal mental health implemented early on in a child's life will promote optimal child outcomes with security and self-esteem, and the ability to form enjoyable relationships to cope and learn from throughout life.
The "goodness of fit" theory focuses on how if the behaviour of the child fits with that of the caregiver, then interactions between them will be positive. This will lead to optimal development for the child, and a secure trusting relationship.
The first year of life shapes the human brain and aids in its development. It is the most important year for outside development shapers.
Brain development is influenced by our genes and an individuals outside environment.
An increase in environmental influences is linked to an increase in brain and nervous system development.
For more information, click on the brain to watch a video about brain architecture! ​
Serve & Return
For more information about serve and return, click on the picture to watch a video developed by Harvard University!
Serve and return is a term created to explain how a "responsive relationship" is created . It is similar to a game of ping-pong where an adult responds to a baby's coos, gestures and expressions with their own. This "responsive relationship" creates connections in the infant's brain that support the development of communication skills and social skills.
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Without serve and return, an infant will miss the positive stimulation they need to properly develop. Their stress response will also be triggered by the absence of serve and return, which will fill the brain with harmful stress hormones.
References
5 Steps for Brain-Building Serve and Return. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/
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28 Knowledge Clipart Course Free Clip Art Stock Illustrations - Mental Health Training Clip Art - Png Download - Full Size Clipart (#539105) - PinClipart. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pinclipart.com/maxpin/iwiioR/
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Baby Feet Clipart Free. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.clipart.email/clipart/baby-feet-clipart-free-52800.html
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Dorozio, J. (2018, June 5). A Mindful Gift. Retrieved from https://www.dementiaconnections.ca/blog/2018/6/5/a-mindful-gift
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EarlyON Child & Family Centres - Children's Services. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://dnssab.ca/childrens-services/earlyon/
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Early Childhood Mental Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/deep-dives/mental-health/
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Infant Mental Health Promotion. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.imhpromotion.ca/Resources/Best-Practice-Guidelines
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