Depression is a major global health concern, especially among mothers of young children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While various risk and protective factors have been well-established, the role of fathers in potentially mitigating maternal depression remains understudied. This study aimed to investigate the association between…

Families who have children with delays or disabilities are often expected to become advocates for their children. Despite this inherent expectation, there is limited research available focused on advocacy during the early years (birth to three). The purpose of this study was to use qualitative inquiry, specifically semi-structured interviews, to…

Background: Healthy child development is imperative for future success, parents/caregivers are at the helm of guiding children down a path that supports health and wellbeing for future success. When there is a lack of education, information, and resources readily available to families there is a risk for delayed development and lack of engagement.…

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the participation rates and factors associated with nonparticipation among mothers living in low-income households who were invited to join a parent-education and -support research program delivered via the Internet with professional support. Methods: Four hundred and seventy-seven mothers of…

We examined the extent to which fathers can be taught and encouraged to develop positive relationships with their children, especially in infancy, and the effects of this fathering intervention on infant development. A multifaceted relationally focused intervention was used to assist fathers in Vietnam to engage in responsive direct and indirect…

Examples are presented which highlight some problems associated with intervention programs for high-risk infants. These studies suggest a number of implications for social policy. Infant intervention will be continuously effective only if policymakers consult with not only program directors, but also clinicians, teachers, researchers and parents.…

The paper describes a collaborative effort between Head Start and the Family, Infant and Preschool Program at Western Carolina Center (Morganton, North Carolina). The collaborative effort was designed to accomplish the goals of improving (1) services to handicapped children and their families, (2) the quality of parent involvement, and (3)…

Discusses the development and philosophy of parent-infant education programs provided by Washington State community colleges and vocational technical schools consisting of parent-participation classes and cooperative preschools for 10,000 families. Describes program at Seattle Community College. (BF/JH)

A comprehensive program of stimulation activities for visually handicapped infants is described. The author explains that parents are largely responsible for the early training of their infants and since their participation in the program is a critical factor special emphasis is given to teaching them to carry out the activities. (PHR)

The manual sets forth guidelines on developing a parent involvement component as part of an early intervention effort for handicapped children. Modeled after Project WISP (Wyoming Infant Stimulation Program), the guidelines emphasize the role of the parent coordinator in communicating with parents and acting as a resource person. Parent…

This bibliography provides a listing of 111 English-language books, articles, and audiovisual resources on the subject of relations between professionals and the parents of infants and toddlers with disabilities. Specific topics covered include, among others: parent attitudes, goal-setting, family assessment, stress, support groups, parent…

The practicum was designed to increase parent participation in a preschool (birth to 3 years) special education program serving children with handicaps in Chicago, Illinois. The practicum was intended to provide parents with an effective and meaningful involvement in a structured program of transition services. Input from both staff and parents…

Discusses the need for mother-infant support groups. Provides information for choosing the setting, structuring the group; provides activities and concerns for interaction. (BJD)

This study of 150 mothers of infants and toddlers with disabilities found that participants in professionally organized parent groups reported larger increases in the size and helpfulness of their social support networks than did nonparticipants. Intensity of participation was associated with both positive and negative outcomes for maternal…

This paper describes an intensive educational program for mother-infant pairs from disadvantaged populations. The program had three aims: (1) to help the mothers understand that the way they interact with their infants makes an important difference in the child's development; (2) to encourage and teach mothers to respond to infant vocalizing and…