Your child needs to know that you really care about him. He know this from your kind tone of voice and gentle touch. He feel good when you look into his eyes or you talk to him and really listen when he talks to you. Your child becomes frustrated and angry when you handle him in a rough or unfriendly way, use a loud voice, or ignore his interests. The way you relate to him is very important. It helps shape the way your child sees himself.

Here are some things you can do to let your child know he is important:

1. Talk to your child often.
2. Look right into your child's eyes when you talk together.
3. use your child's name when you talk with him.
4. listen to your child because he is talking to you about what interests him.
5. Use a kind tone of voice and gentle touch.
6. Use routines, such meals and nap time, as times to talk to and work with your child.
7. Give praise and show delight for the things your child does.
8. Even when you have to correct your child or stop what he doing, remember to handle him with respect so he will continue to feel loved.

Resources:
Touchpoints, T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.
Teens Parenting: Your Baby's First Year, Jeanne Warren Lindsay
The Earliest Relationship. T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.