My last employed job, I worked as a parent coach. Although I will probably never do non-profit again, I absolutely loved what the job stood for. In this post I am going to talk about ABC a new, and undermined parenting method that has helped me interact with children in ways I never thought too. If you are a new mom, a mom to a toddler, or even just want to learn more parenting skills then this blog is for you.

Attachment Biobehavioral Catch-Up (ABC) is an evidence-based intervention that aims to help parents develop nurturing and responsive behaviors towards their children. ABC is based on attachment theory, which suggests that early experiences with caregivers shape children’s attachment styles and influence their social and emotional development.

ABC is designed for parents who have experienced trauma or adversity in their own lives, and who may have difficulty responding sensitively to their children’s needs. The intervention consists of 10 weekly sessions with a trained therapist, during which the parent and child are videotaped while engaging in typical activities. The therapist then provides feedback and coaching to help the parent reinforce positive behaviors, respond sensitively to their child’s cues, and avoid negative or intrusive behaviors.

One of the key principles of ABC is the recognition of the impact of trauma on parenting. Many parents who have experienced trauma in their own lives may have difficulty regulating their emotions, may be hypervigilant or avoidant in their interactions with others, or may struggle to trust and form close relationships. These difficulties can make it challenging for parents to respond sensitively to their children’s needs, and may lead to negative or inconsistent parenting behaviors.

Recognizing and working through one’s own trauma is therefore a crucial first step in becoming a more responsive and nurturing parent. This may involve seeking support from a therapist or counselor, participating in trauma-focused interventions, or practicing self-care and stress-reduction techniques. By addressing their own trauma, parents can develop greater emotional awareness and regulation, improve their communication skills, and build stronger connections with their children.

In addition to addressing trauma, ABC focuses on teaching parents specific skills and strategies for responding sensitively to their children’s needs. These skills include:

• Following the child’s lead: Parents are encouraged to pay attention to their child’s cues and interests, and to respond in a supportive and engaged manner. This may involve imitating the child’s play or language, offering praise and encouragement, or simply being physically present and attentive.
• Offering nurturing and predictable routines: Children thrive on predictability and routine, and benefit from consistent and nurturing caregiving. Parents are encouraged to establish regular routines for feeding, sleeping, and other activities, and to provide a safe and predictable environment for their child.
• Avoiding negative or intrusive behaviors: Negative or intrusive behaviors such as criticism, yelling, or physical punishment can have harmful effects on children’s emotional and behavioral development. Parents are taught to avoid these behaviors, and to instead use positive reinforcement, redirection, and other positive discipline strategies.
• Reflecting on the child’s perspective: Parents are encouraged to reflect on their child’s thoughts and feelings, and to respond with empathy and understanding. This may involve acknowledging the child’s emotions, validating their experiences, and offering support and comfort.

Overall, ABC is a powerful intervention that can help parents develop the skills and confidence they need to provide nurturing and responsive care for their children. By recognizing and addressing their own trauma, parents can become more attuned to their children’s needs, and create a safe and supportive environment for healthy attachment and emotional development.