BABIES CAN’T WAIT February 2005 Terrie Rose, Ph.D.

HARRIS CENTER University of Minnesota Questions About Kids Summer Courses

Amazing and Vulnerable Prenatal to 3 “there is suggestive evidence that young children compared with older children may be particularly vulnerable to very detrimental experiences that derive from aberrant caregiving and serious economic hardship.” From Neurons to Neighborhoods, National Academy of Science

Every day moments last a life time

Attachment Theory Attachment theory is a way of understanding how the early caregiving relationship supports early development and how the defining characteristics of a particular relationships are incorporated into a child’s sense of self and is carried forward into subsequent relationships. Alan Sroufe

Sensitive carefelt securityconfident, connected Secure Attachment Prepared by Martha Farrell Erickson, Ph.D.

A SECURE FOUNDATION Secure Attachment Feeling of security in relationship becomes a part of the sense of self. Research shows that securely attached children move into the world with more self confidence and are more likely to do well in school and in relationships to come. Prepared by Terrie Rose, Ph.D.

Attachment Statistics General Population Among high-risk families Prepared by Martha Farrell Erickson, Ph.D.

Anxious Resistant Attachment Erratic carepreoccupied, hesitantanxious, dependent Prepared by Martha Farrell Erickson, Ph.D.

Anxious Avoidant Attachment Unresponsive caredistant, flataggressive, lacks empathy Prepared by Martha Farrell Erickson, Ph.D.

The second day of child care

Link to Stress Reactions One year olds at the doctors office are better able to handle everyday stress with a warm and sensitive caregiver Toddlers exposed to live clown, same behaviors – differences in elevations of stress hormone Research by Megan Gunnar

Considering the Factors Parent Child Environment

Strengths for Babies Cuteness Factor Typical development Temperament

Challenges for Babies Exposure to alcohol or illicit drugs in utero Poorly organized sleep and eating Colic Temperament Disability

A SECURE FOUNDATION Secure Attachment Feeling of security in relationship becomes a part of the sense of self. Research shows that securely attached children move into the world with more self confidence and are more likely to do well in school and in relationships to come. Prepared by Terrie Rose, Ph.D.

Creating Early Environments That Support Young Children Plan for transitions, predictable daily routines – using bridging songs to help children develop internal control and regulation. Create environments (through careful adult scaffolding) that allow children to be successful

Recognizes child’s ability to signal needs Accurately interprets cues and signals Responds contingently Is consistent and predictable over time Sensitivity Prepared by Martha Farrell Erickson, Ph.D.

Detachment, unavailability Misinterpretation of cues and signals Intrusiveness (may stem from erroneous beliefs, lack of knowledge, unwillingness to respond, and or inability to respond because of personal stress or depression) Insensitivity Prepared by Martha Farrell Erickson, Ph.D.

EXPECTATION FOR RESPONSIVENESS Video Clip

MATERNAL AMBIVALENCE Maternal ambivalence as a typical reaction to the early months of parenting, especially under dire circumstances. -Sarah Blaffer Hrdy Prepared by Terrie Rose, Ph.D.

Parenting Challenges Severe Stress and Chaos Maternal Ambivalence Untreated and Untreatable Mental Illness

BABY’S SPACE Opportunities for babies and families to be cared for in typical ways

Terrie Rose, Ph.D Irving B. Harris Center for Infant and Toddler Development Institute of Child Development University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN (612)