Early Relational Health: Building Strong Bonds with Children

Young children grow and learn through their relationships with the people around them. Early relational health (sometimes shortened to ERH) focuses on developing these safe relationships and creating supportive environments. This tip sheet offers ways families and early childhood professionals can build and strengthen a child’s early relational health.

What is early relational health?

Early relational health is the concept that the foundation of healthy development throughout a person’s life is built early. This happens through safe, stable, and nurturing relationships between young children and the adults in their lives. When children experience caring, responsive relationships, they develop trust and have a strong foundation for learning and their overall well-being. Early relational health recognizes that families and communities need supportive environments that make healthy relationships possible. Home visiting programs and trusted early care and education providers contribute to these supportive environments.

How can families foster early relational health?

Early relational health grows through ordinary moments families share with their children.

Pay attention and respond. Notice children’s cues, such as when they point at something, and respond in ways that show they are heard and understood.
Connect throughout the day. Talk, read, sing, and play together during everyday routines, such as folding laundry, setting the table, or getting dressed.
Let children take the lead. Join in their interests and give them choices about how they play, learn, and participate. You can see what toy they pick first and offer to play with them.
Comfort and reconnect. Offer reassurance when children are upset and make time to reconnect after challenging moments. For example, take time for a quiet story together after a child scrapes their knee on the driveway.
Include family culture. Share home languages, traditions, and cultural practices as part of daily life. For example, spend some time looking through a family photo album together.
Reach out when needed. Pediatricians, early childhood professionals, home visiting programs, and community organizations can help families find support that fits their needs.

How can professionals support early relational health?

Early childhood professionals can notice, respond, connect, partner, and support.

Notice children’s and families’ strengths.
Respond to children’s cues and caregivers’ priorities.
Create opportunities for connection during everyday routines.
Partner with families by valuing their knowledge, culture, and experiences.
Support families by sharing resources and relationships with them that strengthen their well-being.