My husband read a parenting book written for fathers and the best thing he learned from that book was how to help your children grow up to be secure and independent people.
Contrary to intuition, the more attention and love you give your child during their infancy, the more independent they will be as children, teenagers, and adults.
Many people believe that you create independent children by being tough with them as babies and not picking them up when they cry, etc. This is actually the opposite of what is really true.
A baby who is allowed to cry and who does not get a lot of attention will most likely turn out to be more dependent. They will most likely need constant reassurance that they are loved and will required lots of attention from others. These children also tend to struggle more with positive self image and confidence, etc.
One of the best gifts you can give your child is the ability to love him/herself. This ability begins in infancy. Smother your children with love and affection, “spoil” them with love (impossible), and they will grow up with that knowledge and confidence in themselves.
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