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Description
The purpose of this project is to develop and implement a parenting class curriculum designed to address the social and emotional needs of infants of Latino families living in poverty in San Diego County. The program is important because maternal attunement to the infant in the first year of life beginning from conception is crucial to the infant's development. Research shows that positive synchronous relationships between mothers and their infants have a direct effect on the development of higher brain functions, affect regulation, and secure attachment. It also impacts the infant's general development and physical well- being. Through the parent and infant interaction, the infant's physiology is maintained in a state of regulation or dysregulation, which in turn has a direct effect on the infant's ability to explore his surroundings and interact with others. An infant whose needs are met is available to explore his environment which may lead to improved developmental outcomes and decreased behavioral difficulties. Latino families living in poverty are less likely to engage in positive and sensitive a relationship with their infants and may use controlling and authoritarian parenting practices which may lead to poor child outcomes. Acculturation challenges and feelings of uncertainty create additional risk. Intervention in the form of parenting sessions that include reflection regarding parenting practices, play activities with the infant to encourage attunement, and exploration of the developmental and social and emotional needs of the infant may provide the parent with a different perspective regarding the infant's behavior and abilities. The concept of mindfulness should also be introduced as the ability to attune requires that the parent be able to be in the moment so that she may be psychologically available to the infant. This project provides a parenting program in English and Spanish to enhance services to infants and families by following an approach that focuses on attachment and regulation theory, reflection and mindfulness, while preserving and respecting cultural values and parenting practices of Latino parents. The curriculum proposed to address the social and emotional needs of infants under 12 months of age is based on an adapted version prepared by the American Academy of Pediatrics of the Pathways to Competence Curriculum, by Sarah Landy. Adapted for Latino babies versus toddler and preschoolers, and focused on primary prevention, the Creando Lazos Juntos program was offered to 20 women as part of this pilot project. The research-based curriculum, the women's feedback, and recommendations for future implementation are presented as the program will continue to be developed and offered to families seen at Family Health Centers in San Diego County.
