A single mother of an infant asks how to support positive development. Which suggestion is evidence-based for addressing concerns about maladjustment?

• A. Developing consistent daily routines for the child
• B. Exposing her child to extended family members when possible
• C. Not working outside the home during the first few years
• D. Taking her child to regular play date activities with other children

Answer: (A)

Consistency in daily routines provides a stable, predictable environment that helps an infant’s nervous system regulate arousal and emotion. When feeding, sleeping, soothing, and caregiving are reliable and responsive, the baby learns that needs will be met and forms a secure attachment. This sense of safety supports better stress regulation, sleep, and early self-regulation, which are protective against maladjustment as the child grows. While involving family, work decisions, or social activities can be beneficial in other ways, they don’t address the strongest evidence-based factor for preventing maladjustment in infancy as directly as establishing regular routines does.