Relationally dependent, babies and toddlers can’t manufacture a feeling of safety by themselves. Just like a fragile tree that needs additional support when first planted in the ground, infants are supported by their primary caregiver. When a plant isn’t thriving in the garden, we don’t blame the plant. We test the soil. We monitor the sunlight. We adjust the water. We work to enhance the environment so the plant can thrive. But with children, sometimes we have this turned around—we expect a new baby to adapt to the environment, even if she’s clearly not doing well in it.
