Supporting parents in the early years. The way to avoid later behavioural problems?

Abstract

This article presents seven early intervention programmes in two towns in southern England. Three are close linked to schools, one works with school-aged children but outside the school, and three programs work exclusively with preschool children and parents in community settings. Although the evaluative investigation of these programs is still halfway, some tentative insight into what they do for parents can be given. It is the social support provided by the programs which parents value most. The author draws special attention to the phenomenon of dropping out of the program. Poverty, single parenthood, depression and family isolation are considered as main reasons.