I am founder of Dad-A-Port, a support initiative for all fathers—especially those with children from birth to five years old. In his role, I have the privilege of connecting with families and fathers to help them better understand early childhood development and build strong bonds with their little ones. The Hug Your Baby program has been a powerful tool in these conversations such as occurred with the father described here.
While at a fatherhood event, I had the opportunity to connect with a dad who knew I worked in the early childhood field and was experiencing some difficulty getting his child to settle down at bedtime. He openly shared his struggles and concerns — noting that his little one was restless and struggling to ease into sleep — and we used that moment as a chance to talk through strategies to foster greater calm and connection.
I recognized his patience, care, and deep investment in his child's well-being, and I made sure to reflect back to him that I noticed his strong bond and his ability to respond to his child's signals. This kind of understanding forms a powerful foundation for healthy attachment, growing confidence, and a deepening parent-child relationship.
While we spoke, dad was able to identify a key contributor to his child's restlessness — noting that the television was still on during bedtime — and decided he would make a change by turning it off to create a quieter, more restful environment. We also discussed Providing Support and Soothing Techniques, which emphasizes following your child's lead, offering gentle routines, and creating a calm space to aid relaxation. This can make a world of difference in helping children ease into restful, restful sleep.
This moment underscores the significance of a caregiver’s ability to recognize their child's signals, respond warmly, and provide a sense of safety and connection — all essential for fostering healthy routines, strong relationships, and greater peace for both parent and child.