Building Connections That Last

A new season of learning is underway! Classrooms are abuzz with discovery, materials are ready to be explored, and curious young minds are settling into new routines. Amid all the exploration, one of the most important ingredients in your child’s experience is the strength of their connection with the caring adults in their world. These meaningful interactions shape your child’s journey.

Why These Connections Matter

From the very first day, children are observing, absorbing, and responding to how adults interact with them. Decades of early brain research show that responsive, nurturing relationships fuel curiosity, language, and resilience. When children feel safe, respected, and valued, they are more engaged, capable, and eager to learn. That’s why our educators focus on creating responsive, respectful, and relationship-based interactions during every moment of the day. Here’s how that looks based on your child’s age:

Infant, Toddler, Twos, and Early Preschool:

• Be consistently responsive. Notice nonverbal cues such as eye contact, gestures, or facial expressions, and respond promptly to build safety and trust. 
• Talk with warmth. Describe what’s happening (“You’re smiling at that rattle—you look curious!”) to nurture language and emotional insight.
• Offer steady comfort. Reliable reassurance helps children feel secure enough to explore. 

Preschool, Pre-K, Junior Kindergarten, and School Age: 

• Engage in meaningful exchanges. Encourage back-and-forth dialogue that fuels curiosity and thinking, rather than quick directives. 
• Acknowledge feelings. Share comments such as, “You worked so hard on that puzzle—you must feel proud!” This nurtures emotional awareness and self-regulation. 
• Jump into play. Join their discoveries, co-create ideas, and show authentic interest in their thinking. 

Children gain several things when caring connections guide each day. Their brain development is more robust. Moment-by-moment interactions help to wire language, curiosity, and reasoning skills. Their emotional resilience is strengthened. Secure relationships help children manage stress and bounce back quickly. And they develop a deeper sense of belonging. When children feel seen and valued, they step into learning with confidence and joy. 

To spark meaningful connections at home, consider ending your day with a question such as: 

“What was one moment today when someone made you feel safe or happy?” 

It’s a simple, powerful way to invite reflection—planting the seeds for a loving, communicative habit that supports lifelong growth. 

Additional Resources:

Caring Relationships: The Heart of Early Brain Development (NAEYC) 
Serve and Return: Back-and-forth Exchanges (Harvard University Center on the Developing Child)