What Is Early Relational Health?
Marin Kirby De Leon, Executive Director Monmouth Cares
Early Relational Health (ERH) refers to the quality of the warm, responsive, and supportive relationships that infants and young children form with their caregivers. When babies experience love, comfort, and consistency, it builds the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and emotional well-being. And when families feel supported in providing those things, everyone thrives.
Early Relational Health grows in families and communities where relationships are:
- Safe: Caregivers create an environment where children are free from harm and feel protected.
- Stable: Daily routines and dependable interactions help children know what to expect.
- Nurturing: Adults respond to a child’s needs with warmth and understanding, helping them learn how to express feelings and build trust.
ERH moments take place in everyday interactions like feeding, playing and comforting. Even small things like a shared smile or calming touch can help a child’s brain grow in healthy ways. During the early years, the brain grows fastest and these nurturing relationships fuel that growth. These interactions also help children learn how to manage their feelings, solve problems and connect with others. In addition, there are long-term health benefits of ERH such as improving lifelong physical and mental health outcomes.
Early Relational Health reminds us that the way we care for children and the people who love them has lifelong impact. Whether you’re a parent, provider, teacher, neighbor, or friend, you play a role in creating that foundation. One moment of connection at a time.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and leading child development experts agree: early relational experiences aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential. (AAP). You don’t need special tools or advanced training to support ERH. What matters most is how you show up for a child, and how we as a community show up for families.
For more resources and guidance on Early Relational Health, visit: