A Pilot Trial of the “My Toddler and Me” Group Program, a Skill-Based Program for Toddlers and Their Caregivers

A mixed-methods pilot study evaluated the My Toddler and Me group program, an 8-session preventative intervention designed to help caregivers respond more sensitively to their child’s needs. Adapted from Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Toddlers, the program includes didactic teaching, group discussions, role-playing, and live coaching with toddlers present during sessions. Mothers (N = 19; M child age = 16.70 months) completed standardized questionnaires before and after the program. Results indicated increases on several variables including mothers’ self-efficacy in understanding and managing their child’s emotions and child social-emotional functioning. Mothers also reported several positive outcomes during post-intervention interviews.