THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUST IN HEALTHY, HAPPY CHILD DEVELOPMENT

In order to learn and grow all children need the emotionally rich environment that is based on trust.  Erik Erikson, a world renown psychologist,  stated that healthy human development is "trust born of care. " 

The infant's achievement and wilingness to allow Mom out of his sight without too much anxiety is accomplished because baby has enough trust to know she will return.  It is within the context of this trusting relationship that babies are able to learn about the world around them.  They depend on the support and positive re-enforcement of parents and caregivers to be able to thrive.

As loving, consistent and creative parents and caretakers we respond sensitively to the child's bid for attention and the child gains the feeling of being known, cared for, understood and attended to.  The child knows that the adult will respond and at the same time, trusts herself to elicit a satisfactory response from the adult.  So the child gains confidence:  "When I cry, someone hears me and comforts me.  When I feel hungry, I can get someone to feed me and I feel better.  When I hurt I can count on loving arms to hold me." 

When children are involved in trusting relationships they seem to know that adults will support them through new challenges and accomplishments.  "See!  I can put this spoon in my mouth!  I can roll over all by myself!"  It helps to establish that the world in which they live is a safe and friendly place where they can explore, grow and learn.  When babies are valued, cared for and respected they trust that they can confidently explore and learn about the world around them.