Cynthia Martin Wadsworth, LCSW

02/13/2026

02/11/2026

Babies aren’t manipulative — they’re communicating. When a caregiver responds consistently and warmly, a child learns that the world is safe, relationships are reliable, and their needs matter.

These everyday moments of responsiveness act as protective and compensatory experiences, supporting emotional regulation, resilience, and secure attachment over time.

02/10/2026

Secure attachment isn’t created in big, perfect moments.

It’s built when a caregiver notices, responds, repairs, and stays emotionally present — again and again.

These everyday interactions act as protective and compensatory experiences, supporting emotional regulation and resilience across development.

02/09/2026

02/08/2026

Fear and chronic stress don’t stop with adults. Young children feel it too.

Reporting by Jackie Mader in The Hechinger Report highlights how current immigration enforcement is affecting young children’s mental health, play opportunities and sense of safety: https://bit.ly/4aks9Lu

When caregivers are overwhelmed by fear, that stress can trickle down to infants and toddlers.

To help early childhood professionals and families navigate these challenges, we’ve put together trauma-informed resources that support early relationships, mental health and resilience when families are under pressure: https://bit.ly/4kgdqWe

02/04/2026

When a child feels seen, their behavior shifts — not out of fear, but out of trust. 💛

They begin to regulate, connect, and try again… not because they’re scared of consequences, but because they feel safe enough to grow.

That’s the power of being truly present.

02/03/2026

💡 Whether they’re melting down after a long day 😢 or bouncing in their seat unable to focus in class 🌀, it’s important to remember this: their brain is still growing.

Their nervous system is learning how to handle stress, emotions, and energy. That takes time, practice, and a whole lot of support.
Children don’t need perfection from us. They need connection. 🤝

Every time we stay calm during chaos, every time we pause instead of punish, every time we guide instead of react, we’re helping their brain build the skills it needs for life. 🧠💪

So if today was hard, at home, at school, or somewhere in between, know this: you’re not failing. You’re shaping. And that is powerful work. 💛✨
via Your Therapy Source

01/30/2026

Support parents and primary caregivers always.

Children don’t regulate in isolation.
Their capacity is shaped by the adults around them — and the conditions those adults are working within.

When caregivers, educators, and providers have support, space to reflect, and realistic expectations, children feel it. Safety travels through relationships first.

Supporting adults isn’t extra.
It is how we support children.

01/29/2026

Our Immigrant and Citizenship Rights Resources website is here to help Illinoisans access guidance, protections, and pathways to support – all in one place. Whether you're looking for yourself or helping someone you care about, you're not alone.

Explore the resources at dhr.illinois.gov/ici.