Dear Reader,
Hello, I want to congratulate you on beginning the wonderful journey of parenting. I hope you learn to grow with your child. I have been a developmental psychologist in private practice in Steamboat Springs, Colorado since 1990. I have had over 2000 clients in my practice. I wrote this series to pass on what I have learned about raising strong, confident children.
Please read to your child. Your voice will soothe your baby, and later, calm your child. I recommend screens down, books up. Your child will need you to show up and provide guidance throughout the early years. Did you know that 90% of your child’s brain development occurs in the first five years of life?
Through the eyes of Poppy, this series captures the development of your child’s ability to attach, build self- esteem and achieve basic independence. If you would like to know more about the steps of attachment from symbiosis to practicing to refueling to autonomy, please go to my website at Growingwithyourchild.com
A note to the Dads who read this. Please be patient as your child attaches to a primary care-giver. Once that is accomplished, your child will be eager and ready to attach to you. That is why Rudy Rooster was not introduced until the third book in this series.
Caregivers, if you and your child have trouble at any point in the process of bonding (you falling in love with your child) and/or attaching (your child feeling safe and secure by learning to trust and love you), please contact a mental health therapist who specializes in family issues and parenting. As Poppy would say, it’s OK not to be perfect.
I hope you enjoy reading this series to your child.
Best wishes,
Dr Kathy