Optimizing the early parent-child relationship: windows of opportunity for parents and pediatricians

Abstract

This article explores child and parent risk factors that can affect the early parent-child relationship and highlights how a relational approach can be used in pediatric primary care to optimize early social-emotional development in the context of family-centered care. Risk factors, such as prematurity, parental mental illness, and a history of adverse care-giving experiences, can affect the parent-child relationship and influence later infant social-emotional development. The pediatrician, because of the ongoing relationship with the family, is in an optimal position to identify concerns, initiate interventions, and provide support and services to support the development of the early parent-child relationship.