What does providing attention to infants and toddlers entail?

Providing attention to infants and toddlers genuinely involves meeting their needs without manipulative motives. This means that caregivers must respond to the cues of the children in a nurturing and supportive manner, ensuring that they feel safe, valued, and understood. When caregivers focus on the child’s needs, they build a foundation of trust and attachment, which is crucial for healthy emotional and social development.

Infants and toddlers are still in the early stages of developing their understanding of relationships and their own needs. Thus, it is essential for caregivers to engage with them authentically and empathetically. Meeting these needs should come from a desire to nurture and support the child's growth rather than from any selfish intentions.

In contrast, other options like always giving physical gifts or only responding when a child cries do not encapsulate the deeper, interactive process of providing attention. Attention should be proactive, not just reactive, and should foster communication and exploration, rather than being focused solely on material aspects or limited responses.