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You can make sure you give your child the best possible start in life just by following these simple guidelines.

1. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your child. Being a parent can be overwhelming. Unless you take care of yourself, it will be hard to take good care of your child. Don't be afraid to ask for help caring for your child.
2. Provide a warm and loving environment. Helping your child feel safe is the key to encouraging her healthy growth and development. Make sure you give her a lot of affection.
3. Talk, sing and read to your child. The young brain is especially interested in sounds-the building blocks of speech and language. You can form a deep emotional connection with your child just by talking to him.
4. Create a predictable world for your child. Providing routines teaches a child that you and the world around her are trustworthy. If your child understands this, she will spend less energy fussing over her needs and more time learning.
5. Understand and respond to your child's needs. You can't spoil an infant so go to him when he fusses or cries. By responding to your child, you teach him that you care and that he can trust you to read his signals.

Want to take a parenting class or find a parenting support group? Find programs that can help you through Community Services Online or call the Community Information Line at 206.461.3200 or 1.800.621.INFO.

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*Information courtesy of Born Learning™, a public engagement and material distribution campaign that provides important information about what young children need every day to ensure quality early learning. Designed to support you in your critical role as a child's first teacher, Born Learning™ materials are made available through the efforts of United Way, United Way Success by 6 and Civitas. For more information, visit bornlearning.org.