The Family Couch: Considerations for Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health

The infant-family field aims to promote infant/early childhood mental health, prevent poor outcomes in the context of risk, and relieve psychological suffering. This article focuses on the power of the family system to support, nurture, and protect (or not) each parent's capacity to manage transitions and relationship demands that come with the addition of a baby, as well as early childhood mental health challenges that might arise. We explore core concepts of infant/early childhood mental health: relationship security within the family system, relationship safety to manage stress, and strategic interventions that involve working with and through relationships.