Early Relational Health

Early relational health (ERH): is the emotional connections between children & trusted adults that promote health and development. It leads to positive experiences, can help mitigate negative effects of trauma & adversity, and builds resilience (ability to recover from stressors and negative experiences). Observe, discuss, model, and praise specific parenting behaviours and healthy routines that promote ERH.
From ACES to early relational health: implications for clinical practice (CPS) Mt Sinai NY Parenting Center

• Build on each family’s relational strengths and protective factors, reinforce healthy routines, use anticipatory guidance to prepare parents for developmentally normal (and possibly challenging) behaviours, and help modify specific behaviours or skills when needed. Use of any physical punishment including spanking should be discouraged in all ages. Supporting Positive parenting (CPS)
• Family approaches to crying, sleep, and behaviour vary culturally, and navigating points of variance with sensitivity is key to providing culturally safe care.
• Parents of children at risk of, or showing signs of, behavioural or conduct problems may benefit from structured parenting programs which have been shown to increase positive parenting and reduce general behaviour problems. Access community resources to determine the most appropriate and available research-structured programs.
  Disruptive behaviour (CPS/CACAP) Parenting skills (EECD)
  e.g. The Incredible Years®, Triple P®, Strongest Families