Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, sometimes referred to as social and emotional health, is the developing capacity of the child from birth to 5 years of age to form close and secure adult and peer relationships; experience, manage, and express a full range of emotions; and explore the environment and learn-all in the context of family, community, and culture. (Cohen, Onunaku & Clothier, 2016, para. 1).

The experiences your child has in the first five years shapes the person he or she will become for the rest of their lives. By the age of five, roughly 90% of the brain has already developed. These sensitive years lay the foundation for future relationships, self-esteem, school performance and overall health. The good news is that very young children grow and change so rapidly that seeking support early on in your child’s life can make a huge positive impact.