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Promoting First Relationships is an evidence-based program developed by Dr Jean Kelly, based at the Parent Child Relationship Program Barnard Centre University of Washington (link: https://www.pcrprograms.org) who was interested in the work of John Bowlby and attachment theory. Promoting First Relationships is dedicated to promoting children’s social-emotional development through responsive, nurturing parent-child relationships. During this program, parents are observed during play and parent-child interactions with real-time feedback and handouts provided on new perspectives and strategies to consider. 

Promoting First Relationships can help parents with: 

  • Building healthy and secure relationships wit their children 
  • Understanding difficult and complex child behaviours, and understanding the underlying needs and feelings of the children displaying these behaviours 
  • Supporting children’s social and emotional health  
  • Discussing strategies for coping with difficult times as a parent 
  • Understanding ways to help children through emotionally difficult experiences 

Promoting First Relationships is ideally delivered face-to-face for 13 hours over eight weeks and is free of charge for families receiving family services support.