Cultural Considerations in Integrated Early Childhood Behavioral Health

Abstract

Parenting practices of young children are influenced, in part, by a family's cultural and ethnic heritage. The rapidly changing and diverse population of families in the United States calls for integrated early childhood specialists to be sensitive and aware of the needs of these families. This chapter explores cultural differences in the context of three common referrals in early childhood, which include helping parents navigate behavior problems, feeding/nutrition issues, and sleeping difficulties. Using examples from research and real-life clinical scenarios, this chapter highlights how integrated early childhood specialists can be mindful of cultural influences on parenting practices in their work with families of diverse backgrounds, and describes clinical strategies to help establish strong bonds with culturally diverse families. Lastly, this chapter highlights the importance of being aware of one's own personal biases and opinions when helping parents incorporate evidence-based parenting techniques in a culturally informed and respectful way. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)