Pearls of wisdom: Updated skill-specific parenting strategies in the first 6 years.

Abstract

This article provides knowledge translation on up-to-date parenting strategies (pearls of wisdom). These pearls support the development of specific skills in children from birth through 5 years of age. Paediatricians have indicated that they feel inadequately trained in providing parenting guidance. This article could be used by family physicians, community health nurses, nurse practitioners, and paediatricians as an office reference when providing anticipatory parenting guidance and when there are parent or clinician concerns that relate to various developmental stages. Included are general tips for guiding parents and pearls that support self-regulation, attachment, perspective taking, and developing the child's sense of self. The present review links pearls to specific reference sources in the literature which cite developmental standards and advice. Evidence-based parenting programs are cited for children with more complex presentations due to developmental, regulatory, or behavioural disorders, temperament individual differences, or limited parenting support. Website links for parents are recommended, and Parenting Pearls handouts provided, to solidify understanding and follow through.