Maintaining strong relationships with the children is the cornerstone of any quality child care environment, but such relationships are hard work when times are good and downright difficult when you are being attacked by snoterpillars. This session looks at the significance of child-caregiver relationships in building age-appropriate early learning environments and how provider stress and burnout can impact those relationships. Getting in tune with children is often physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding; doing it day in and day out can be exhausting, stressful, and monotonous. Providers will leave this session with useful tools for dealing with their stress, validation as early care and education professionals, and a smile on their faces