Does the term “infant and early childhood mental health” make you think of a baby on a couch telling his problems to a psychiatrist? So what is infant mental health? Infant and early childhood mental health reflects social and emotional capacities and the primary relationships in children birth to age 5.

Because young children’s social experiences and opportunities to explore the world depend on the love and care they receive, the child and the child’s relationships are central to infant and early childhood mental health.

It is essential to ensure that first relationships are trusting and caring, as early relationships provide an important foundation for later development.

Why is it so important? The first years of life create the foundation-secure beginnings-for a child’s ability to have positive relationships, self-confidence, and the ability to meet change and challenges successfully. Healthy social and emotional development is necessary for success in school and in life.

To grow and learn, children need good mental health as much as they need good physical health. Mental health is tied very closely to relationships the child has with parents and significant caregivers. Children learn how to effectively express emotions, make friends, and explore the world around them through these relationships.

What are potential signs that a child or parent may need some help?

The intensity and frequency of the following signs may indicate that a child or family needs assistance. They do not indicate definite mental health concerns and are to be used only as “red flags.”

Infant (birth – 12 months):

– Unusually difficult to soothe or console

– Limited interest in things or people

– Always fearful or on guard

– Consistently reacts very strongly toward touch, sounds and movements

– Reacts strongly for no reason

– Evidence of abuse or neglect

Toddlers:

– Display very little emotion

– Unable to comfort or calm self

– Limited interest in things or people

– Does not turn to familiar adults for comfort or help

– Inconsistent sleep patterns

Preschool Children:

– Consistently prefers to not play with others or toys

– Goes with strangers easily

– Destructive to self or others

– Hurts animals

– Limited use of words to express feelings

Helpful messages or tools for parents and caregivers about nurturing children’s mental health:

– Surround children and yourself with nurturing relationships

– Create a trusting environment

– Provide stable and consistent caregivers at home and in child-care settings

– Learn about and respond to children’s cues

– Learn about child development to have realistic expectations

– Spend unhurried time together

– Comfort and reassure children when they are scared, angry or hurt.

– Develop routines to promote predictability and security

– Model good relationships and healthy ways to manage conflict

– Consider how whatever you’re doing or going through may affect a child

– Identify early signs of emotional problems

If you have questions about any of the information above or think you have or know of a child you may be concerned about, please call the Central Referral Line for children birth to 5 to speak with Mona. You can just tell her a little about your concerns and if she thinks further assistance is needed, she can refer you to a helpful organization in our community. Call 373-4930. Help is just a phone call away.

Helpful Web sites:

www.zerotothree.org

www.mnparentsknow.info

www.talaris.org

If you would like to become a part of the local THRIVE Action Team or would like more information, please contact Alice Englin at 377-5504 or alice.englin@co.freeborn.mn.us. She is a facilitator at the Freeborn County Family Services Collaborative.