Mental Health: Health Tips for Families

Things You Can Do and Say to Help Your Child

For Your Infant
• Hold your baby during feedings.
“I love cuddling when I feed you.”
• Look at your baby and smile, smile, smile!
“Hey, when I smile, you smile back.”
• Talk about what you are doing.
“I’m going to change your diaper now.”
• Try to relax and have fun.
“When I am happy, you are less fussy.”
• Read and sing to your baby every day.
“It is bedtime. Time for a story and favorite song.”
• Take care of yourself.
“When I am rested, I take better care of you.”
• For Your Toddler/Preschooler
• Make sure they always feel safe.
“I know loud noises can be scary, but it’s OK.”
• Offer choices.
“Do you want the blue shirt or the red shirt?”
• Practice patience.
“Let’s wait until the song is over and then we’ll
go outside.”
Show understanding.
“You REALLY want another cookie! It is hard
when you can only have one.”
• Leave extra time.
“I see you don’t want to leave the playground.
One more time on the slide, then we need to
leave.”
• Play together at least 15 minutes a day.
“There is so much to do but it is important for us
to play together.”
• Follow her interest.
“I see you want to play with the blocks. What
are you going to build?”
• Praise your child when she keeps trying.
“I love the way you keep trying to find the right
piece for the puzzle.”
• Practice following directions.
“First pick up the blocks,
then take out the cars.”