Cynthia Martin Wadsworth, LCSW

03/25/2026

Our sense of whether or not we matter—to our loved ones, our communities, and the world at large—begins in the earliest days of infancy. While it’s never too late to build a sense of mattering, when we start early, we can have an outsized positive effect on children’s health and well-being across their lifespan.

Listen to our Chief Science Officer, Dr. Lindsey Burghardt, on the BDA Baby podcast, hosted by Katherine Schwarzenegger, to learn more about the importance of mattering in early childhood. Dr. Burghardt also shares everyday strategies for helping young children feel that they matter.

🎧 Listen here: https://apple.co/41p1KrA

03/24/2026

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03/24/2026

Discipline is one of the most powerful teaching tools parents have.

When discipline is based on fear, children may obey temporarily — but they don’t learn the skills needed for long-term self-control.

Positive discipline focuses on teaching:
• responsibility
• empathy
• emotional regulation

Because discipline should guide children — not hurt them.

03/20/2026

Reciprocity isn't about keeping score. It's about both people naturally showing up for each other without one person carrying the whole weight of the relationship.

It looks like both people initiating, not just one person always reaching out while the other responds. Emotional support flowing in both directions. Neither person always being the one who has to chase or pursue. Giving and receiving happening without a running tally in the background.

When reciprocity is present you don't have to wonder if you're too much or not enough. The balance isn't perfect, but the effort is mutual.

That mutuality is what makes the relationship feel safe.

03/20/2026

03/19/2026

03/18/2026

03/17/2026

Children thrive on routines, beginning very early in life. Predictable schedules for things like naps, meals, and bedtimes help organize babies’ daily biological rhythms. Sleep, for example, is critically important for babies and young children and is deeply affected by routines.

📚 In the new working paper from the Early Childhood Scientific Council on Equity and the Environment, you can learn more about the importance of routines in early childhood: https://bit.ly/3PbD432

03/17/2026

🧠 How young brains grow

A child’s brain builds more than one million new neural connections every second during the early years of life. These connections are shaped by everyday experiences and relationships.

When caregivers talk, play, read, and respond to children’s cues, they help build the brain architecture that supports learning, emotional regulation, and healthy development.

Strong relationships and supportive environments give children the foundation they need to grow, explore, and thrive.

Learn more about early brain development:
https://developingchild.harvard.edu

03/16/2026

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IEP Books --->> http://www.thesensoryspectrum.com/iep-meeting-books/

03/13/2026

Children develop at their own pace, but sometimes families notice behaviors or developmental patterns that raise questions.

That’s completely normal.

Developmental screenings and early childhood professionals can help families better understand how children are growing and connect them with resources that support healthy development.

Early support works best when families, caregivers, and professionals work together to create environments where children can learn, build skills, and feel safe exploring the world around them.

If you have questions about a child’s development, it’s always okay to reach out. Getting guidance early can help families access helpful tools, strategies, and supports.

Helpful resources for families:

Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS)
https://www.tn.gov/didd/teis.html

CDC Developmental Milestones Tracker
https://www.cdc.gov/actearly

Learn more about early brain development
https://developingchild.harvard.edu

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.