Infant experiences can shape emotional health and relationships for years, while early support through Missouri’s First Steps programme may help address developmental delays before they widen.
Child development experts in Missouri say the earliest months of life can shape a child’s emotional health long before a child has words to describe what is happening. Erin Hambrick, a clinical child psychologist at Kansas City’s Children’s Place, said during a recent webinar that experiences in infancy can leave a lasting imprint on how children view other people and the world around them.
That view is consistent with guidance from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, which says young children may not be able to explain distress but can still be affected by it. The CDC says early experiences play a major role in emotional development and can influence relationships and well-being well into later childhood and adulthood.
The concern is especially relevant in Missouri, where America’s Health Rankings estimates that nearly 18% of children under 18 have faced at least two adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs. Those experiences can include household instability or exposure to violence. Public health experts say stable routines, caring relationships and everyday activities such as playing together can help children feel safe and supported.
Hambrick said early action matters most when a child shows signs of delay in development. The CDC says intervention during the first years of life can help close gaps in communication, motor, social and emotional skills before they widen. In Missouri, the First Steps programme offers early intervention services for eligible children younger than 3 who have developmental delays or certain diagnosed conditions, giving families support at a stage when it can make the greatest difference.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
