To balance very full and hectic lives with our families and our jobs, we may have been neglecting an all-important facet of our child’s life: their emotional well-being. The first three years of a child’s life are a critical time for a child, The first year is when bonding and attachment occur. If there are interruptions in either of these processes, adverse behaviors could manifest as a result. This can affect relationships later in life and hinder them from developing healthy relationships as adolescents and adults. The trauma of changing childcare providers or having a ‘part-time’ parent floating in and out of their life can be very traumatic and destabilizing for them. Parents, educators, involved adults, and care providers must make a concerted joint effort to ensure that a child’s emotional needs are met daily, just as their physical needs are. The effects of not meeting a child’s emotional needs, especially during the first three years of life, can have devastating consequences. Violent, disruptive, or defiant behaviors can result. During the first five years of life, the brain goes through its most rapid development. If the child is exposed to trauma their brain development can result in cognitive impairment and emotional dysfunction. Which can lead to problems such as attention deficits, sleep disturbances, lack of social-emotional skills, and learning disabilities. This is why loving, supportive, safe, and positive experiences are so important. The brain will be conditioned to expect positive things if the child is accustomed to positive and responsive interactions. If their experiences have been more frightening, hurtful, abusive, or dangerous, then the brain is conditioned to expect negative occurrences. Therefore, parents, caregivers, and other involved adults must make a concerted effort to make sure the child’s emotional needs are met in a positive, constructive, and healthy manner. Parents should ensure that the child’s care providers are stable and consistent, and don’t move them around to different childcare providers during this important phase. Ensure a child feels safe and secure with structured and consistent schedules and routines. Be sure to spend as much quality time with your child as possible, regardless of your otherwise busy lifestyle. Children can sense that a hectic schedule is stressful. It can become a frightening or confusing element for them. It is important to take time out to reassure them that you’re never too busy for them. Remember that your child’s emotional well-being is just as important as their physical, so make sure your child knows they are growing up in a safe, secure, and loving environment.