Interventions with Infants and Parents

The first two years of life are recognized as the most crucial developmental period for the establishment of personality and mental health in the infant. The relationship between caregivers and the infant is crucial to developing healthy means of communicating. The author describes innovative techniques for identifying and modifying maladaptive behaviors between caregiver and infants. ``Previewing'', as the author calls the technique, helps the infant gain a sense of mastery over the changes taking place within his body as well as externally. Especially important is the fact that caregivers can be taught to develop skills of sensitivity so they can preview successfully with their infants.