Spending quality time with children by talking, singing and reading with them is important for brain development - even if they cannot understand the meaning of the words. It also promotes the growth of healthy social relationships and provides a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bond between a child and caregiver.

Activities such as reading and singing are especially important to children when they are part of an established routine. A child may know it is nap time when his mom sings a particular song and closes the curtains, or that after lunch it is time for a story. These repeated positive experiences are reassuring, and help a child learn what to expect from the world and how to understand it. Children who experience safe and predictable interactions with others have also been found to do better in school.

Adults can establish daily routines and help provide a secure learning environment for their own children, the child of a neighbor, friend or relative, or a child in need in the larger community.

Recognizing children when they are being good reinforces positive behavior, gives children confidence, and raises their self-esteem.

Here are a number of great ways to compliment a child:

• Super work!
• Outstanding!
• I love you
• You're super
• I'm so proud of you
• Great try
• I trust you
• You're terrific!
• How thoughtful
• I have faith in you
• You are so smart
• Thanks for being honest
• You're learning fast
• Fantastic!
• You've worked very hard
• Good thinking!
• I enjoy spending time with you
• Thanks for helping
• You are very special

An important part of preventing child abuse is knowing the other people who care for the children you love. High-quality child care can also improve children's learning and social skills.

Visit a child care facility or observe a babysitter with your child before choosing a child care provider. Some questions you may want to ask yourself include:

• Is the provider trained and experienced? Does she or he have training in First Aid and/or CPR?
• Is the setting clean and safe?
• Are the disciplinary methods acceptable to me?
• Will the provider involve my child in activities and play?
• Is my involvement and participation encouraged?
• Am I comfortable leaving my child here? Is my child comfortable here?

Ask for references to find out if others were satisfied with this provider. Before you leave, make sure the provider knows how to respond to any special situations and how to contact you in the event of an emergency.

Stay involved after you choose a provider. Make sure you receive regular reports on how your child is doing, and offer suggestions if you identify something that would improve your child's experience.

For assistance in finding an appropriate child care provider, contact Metro Child Care Resource and Referral at (503) 253-5000 or http://www.metroccrr.org.

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