What is Early Relational Health and Why Is It So Important?

Think of Early Relational Health as the foundation formed in infancy and childhood that helps people weather adversity throughout the rest of their lives. The nonprofit organization Nurture Connection offers this definition:

Early Relational Health is the state of emotional well-being that grows from emotional connection between babies and toddlers and their parents and caregivers when they experience strong, positive, and nurturing relationships with each other.

Early Relational Health is foundational to children’s healthy growth and development and their parents’ and caregivers’ sense of competence, connection, and overall well-being. These strong and enduring relationships also help to protect the family from the harmful effects of stress.

It’s not a new idea – it’s more of a renewed focus and greater understanding of the central role things like nurturing, safe, stable relationships and resilient, supportive communities play in the long-term – and current – wellbeing and health of children and their families.

These positive relationships and environments serve as a lifelong buffer, aiding people in facing difficulties with resilience long past childhood. According to the Zero to Three website, the term ‘Early Relational Health’ was coined by pediatric leaders in 2011:

Colleen Kraft, a member of the Taskforce leadership team and past president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), noted “that relationships are the new vital signs in pediatrics.” The new term, early relational health, seemed immediately to be an important “sticky idea” that had the power to capture the emerging scientific knowledge of the importance of relationships to future health, development, and well-being, with a focus on promotion and prevention. The new term also seemed to be galvanizing to parents, providers, and policymakers. It frames a new paradigm for promoting health, development, and well-being, starting with early relationships and SSNRs (Safe, Stable and Nurturing Relationships) while intentionally focusing on partnering with families.

The benefits for children are many, and it may surprise you to learn that caregivers benefit almost as much. They can experience a greater sense of overall well being, connection and competence. An article posted by the Harvard Graduate School of Education explains:

Remarkably, for caregivers, emerging neuroscience research shows the potential of the adult brain to change and grow in anticipation and response to caregiving experiences before and during early parenthood. Responsive caregiving experiences have been associated with maternal-infant bonding and empathy, as well as adjustments in hormone levels that can potentially lead to decreased symptoms of maternal anxiety and depression and increased stress resilience and cardiac health. 

Physicians, early childhood educators, faith-based groups, and other community groups can all play a vital role in supporting parents in this crucial work. By working together, we can empower and support all families and communities to nurture the positive relationships essential for healthy children, healthy families, and a thriving future.