A happy baby equals a happy parent at Toronto parent-child development centre

TORONTO — The first year of a baby’s life is critical for development.

Bonding between parent and child is key to building a healthy relationship in early childhood and beyond.

At Wholeplay, parent-child development and wellness programs are offered to families in a fun and supportive way for young children up to the age of six.

“The research on early childhood development is very clear that the first couple of years are the most important,” says educational director and co-founder, M.E. Picher.

One of the many classes offered at Wholeplay is Baby Hoots — designed for parents who are interested in learning about their baby’s process during that important first year.

“Never doubt yourself and be able to trust your instincts as a mother,” says participant, Maria Li.

Wholeplay offers a space for parents to spend more time with their children out of the house while learning helpful skills in a nonjudgmental space.

“You can sometimes be vulnerable as a mom to so many opinions and you get them coming at you from everywhere, ” says participant, Laura Stavro-Christie.

“It’s really nice just to go and be able to see M.E. and ask a question and get the answer that is grounded in evidence and in research.”

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The program helps guide parents to improve their child’s self-esteem and growth by teaching them about physical milestones that they should look for in their child’s development.

“We really focus on proving very high-quality information that’s evidenced-informed. So my background is in developmental psychology and education with a focus on early learning,” says Picher.

Each class includes a half-hour of music, play and dance activities, followed by a parent discussion focused on topics related to infant development.

“It all has to do with responsivity. So when a baby cries, the baby needs to know that his or her needs are going to be met in a responsive, accurate, and sensitive way,” says Picher.

“And if that happens, then the baby can develop trust, trust in the parent, but also trust in the world.”

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The programs focus on helping parents cope with certain challenges and struggles and offers them a safe and encouraging place to share their stories with other parents who may have the same experiences.

“The fact that she’s holding her head up, noticing just how social she is and how much she loves music, how much she recognizes the songs that we sing now and all that, it’s great to see her sort of becoming a person,” says Stavro-Christie.

Each class is designed to give parents the opportunity to learn alongside their child and each class focuses on a new lesson or skill so the parents can take new information home with them.

“They develop connections that go beyond the class and that’s probably what I’m most proud of. The fact that I’m able to create an environment where parents feel safe enough to truly connect with one another,” says Picher.