Milestones

Children Need Social/Emotional Connections With Their Parents. Here’s Why!

A child’s relationship with their parents is very important. For a child, this relationship is where trust starts and where getting along with others begins. This helps them form close relationships, share their emotions, explore their world and feel calm.

If your child seems like they don’t want to connect with you or shows the following signs, call Early Childhood Services (ECS). Signs include:

  • Does not want to be held, feels stiff when touched
  • Is hard to comfort, cries a lot, fussy
  • Does not look at you much
  • Seems too quiet, does not make many sounds
  • Does not smile often, seems sad a lot of the time
  • Is not gaining weight
  • Has trouble going to sleep or staying asleep
  • Feeding is upsetting to the child or you

In infants, these are red flags that parents might notice and want to talk with someone about:

  • Turns head away, does not look at you, moves away or sits facing away from you
  • Does not like to look at familiar objects such as bottle, rattle, toys
  • Lies still a lot, not interested in surroundings
  • Clingy, seems scared to try new activities, events
  • Does not respond when you play baby games such as peek-a-boo
  • Seems very active, is startled or upset by sounds or something new
  • Is very fearful, shaky, anxious
  • Is as social and affectionate toward strangers as to you
  • Does not express all feelings (happy, sad, angry, proud)
  • Is sad and does not have fun
  • Tantrums are severe, frequent and/or last more than 10 minutes
  • Is not talking at age:
  • 1 year: 4 – 5 words
  • 2 years: 50 words, putting 2 words together
  • 5 years: 150 words, 3-word sentences
  • Does not explore and want to learn new things
  • Very active, does not stay with activity
  • Hurts self or others when angry
  • Does not seem to listen
  • Not pointing to show interest
  • Does not show age-expected fears, is a dare devil or gets hurt a lot
  • Had a skill and lost it
  • Does not come to you for needs or play
  • Uses toys or objects in unusual ways
  • Does not show caring or feel upset when another child or animal is hurt or distressed
  • Does not notice or is not interested in other children
  • Overweight, unusual eating behaviors or growth
  • Gets stuck on one activity

If you see any of these signs in your infant or child,
please call 844-689-5437 for immediate assistance.

We are here to help!