The sending and receiving of messages through facial expressions, posture, body language, gestures and other nonverbal cues.

A back-and-forth communication providing both sides of the dialogue with opportunities to hear and be heard through explanations and personal narratives.

The subtle alignment of a parent or caregiving adult to the needs of a child by means of close attention to the child’s nonverbal communication.

The degree to which a person understands themselves, their own emotions, goals, motivations, and capabilities, allowing them to plan and manage their own life.

The degree to which a person comprehends the emotions, goals, and motivations of others, allowing them to function in social or group-task situations effectively.

A child’s expectations for relationships based on past experiences, which shapes how he or she interacts with caregivers and others.

The compatibility of a person’s preferences and temperament with the requirements of the world around him or her.

Physical and emotional support, particularly of a child by a parent or other adult.

The bond that forms between a child and his or her parents or primary caregiver and provides the child with a feeling of safety.

An emotion or action that follows a triggering event but results from the careful examination of the motivations and emotions that led to the triggering event, consideration of alternative courses of action, and selection of the action that will most likely lead to the desired outcome.