1. Interaction: Consistent, long-term attention from caring adults actually increases your child's capacity to learn.
2. Touch: Holding and cuddling do more than just comfort your baby - they help his/her brain grow.
3. Stable Relationship: Relationship with parents and other care givers buffer stress that can harm your child.
4. Safe, Healthy Environments: Environments should be free of lead, loud noises, sharp objects, and other hazards.
5. Self-Esteem: Self-Esteem grows with respect, encouragement and positive role models from the beginning.
6. Quality Care: Quality Care from trained professionals can make the difference when you can't be with your child.
7. Play: Play helps your child explore his/her senses and discover how the world works.
8. Communication: Talking with your baby builds verbal skills.
9. Music: Music expands your child's world, teaches new skills, and offers a fun way to interact with your child.
10. Reading: Reading to your child from the earliest days of life shows its importance and creates a lifelong love of books and helps grow a healthy brain.
Source: The McCormick Tribune Foundation
