One of the best gifts you can give your child is to be the best parent that you can be. Parenthood is one tough job, and at times you may feel that you are not cut out for it. Be patient. With perseverance and daily doses of love, you will find the rewards within the challenges. You may have to endure your toddler’s public tantrum one minute, and be ready to receive hugs and kisses when she sees her new hair accessories the next.

An important ingredient of good parenting is being a good role model, especially during the first three years of your child’s development. She develops significant intellectual, emotional and social abilities during these formative years, and it’s also the time that she first learns to give and accept love, and to have empathy and confidence. This is a necessary step in learning to relate to others and to lead a happy, fulfilling life in the future.

All of these begin with a loving and nurturing relationship between parent and child. Here are ten ways that you can show your child you love her, and at the same time make a difference in her development:

Interacting

Your child will feel loved and nurtured when you spend time watching her and responding to her cues. Interacting with her also helps her learn how to express herself to others.

Loving Touches

It may not seem like much, but a hug is actually critical to a child’s development. It keeps her calm, comforts her, and gives her courage. Cradle her, hold her, or simply style her hair with her favorite hair clips.

A Stable Relationship

A child needs to be certain that there is someone there to support and guide her. At this very young stage in her life, make sure that you are accessible to her.

Safe and Healthy Environment

Children are curious by nature. It is important to make your home a safe place for her to explore. Plug the outlets, block the stairs, keep poisonous liquids away.

Self-Esteem

Praise her often. Say it and believe it: she can, she can, she can, especially if she is empowered by your encouragement. This will help her develop self confidence and independence.

Quality Child Care

If you cannot be with your little one all the time, make sure you leave her with people you can trust and who are capable and reliable.

Communication

Let her know that she can openly talk to you. It can foster a loving, trusting relationship which will last a lifetime. It will also help her develop the communication skills she’ll need when she grows up. Even babies need the stimulation of conversation.

Play

Play with her! It will do wonders for her development if she knows that you have time for her and you actually want to spend time with her. Have fun together with the baby gifts that she loves.

Music

In this developmental stage, music helps soothe and stimulate her brain.

Reading

Reading a story to her teaches the imagination and creativity found in books, and will inspire her to become a good reader on her own.