Launching Virtual Parenting Groups in Multiple Settings and Populations

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The parent-child relationship is often the first and foundational relationship for a child that then sets up a framework of how he or she will relate to others. Much of what parents know and do is learned from the way they were parented. This presentation aims to explore the implementation challenges and opportunities of an attachment-based reflective group, the Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P), virtually within the general community and within primary care pediatrics during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on the unique experience of facilitating within parents of Asian American and African American heritage. Method(s) The early childhood timeframe, including that of the perinatal stage and the first 3 to 5 years of life, is a critical brain development period. Efforts in exploring how to meet families where they are within the community and within primary care pediatrics, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, will be discussed. Specifically, the session will reflect on the lessons learned in facilitating parent groups within 1) the underinsured/government-insured African American families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area;2) Asian American parents who are either first- or second-generation immigrants;and 3) a group of community pediatric providers. Result(s) Lessons and stories derived from multiple iterations of the COS-P group in various communities and populations, as well as logistics of implementation, will be shared with attendees of the session. Conclusion(s) There are rich opportunities for healthcare professionals in prevention and early intervention in the domain of social-emotional developmental issues. Caregivers in the community and within primary care pediatrics are receptive to receiving support in parenting. The long-term impacts of the groups are an area for further research. ATTACH, PAT, DEI Copyright © 2022