Embarking on the journey of parenthood is both exhilarating and challenging. The transition to becoming a parent brings immense joy alongside unprecedented responsibilities that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Recognizing the unique needs of new parents, Nurturing Parenting® offers a suite of evidence-based parenting programs designed to support and empower families from the very beginning. With over 40 years of research-backed methodology, our programs address the full spectrum of parenting challenges while celebrating the incredible rewards of raising children.
Understanding the New Parent Support Program (NPSP)
The New Parent Support Program (NPSP) is a family-centered, trauma-informed initiative aimed at building nurturing parenting skills. These programs serve as alternatives to abusive and neglectful parenting practices, focusing on fostering healthy parent-child relationships through proven methods that emphasize empathy, communication, and positive discipline strategies.
Notably, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) has adopted the Nurturing Parenting Program for Parents and their Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers® as their program of choice for their NPSP, underscoring its effectiveness and credibility. This endorsement speaks volumes about the program’s ability to support families under various types of stress, including the unique challenges faced by military families with frequent relocations, deployments, and reintegration periods.
The NPSP utilizes a multi-faceted approach that includes:
- Home visitation services where trained professionals provide personalized guidance in the comfort of your own environment
- Group-based learning sessions that foster community support among new parents facing similar challenges
- Individualized parenting plans tailored to your family’s specific needs and circumstances
- Crisis intervention support for families experiencing acute challenges
- Connection to community resources that complement the program’s curriculum
Our approach is grounded in five key constructs that form the foundation of nurturing parenting:
- Age-appropriate expectations – Understanding your child’s developmental capabilities at different stages
- Empathy – Recognizing and responding appropriately to children’s feelings and needs
- Non-violent discipline – Effective guidance techniques that preserve dignity and build trust
- Family roles – Establishing healthy boundaries and relationships within the family structure
- Power and independence – Fostering autonomy while maintaining appropriate parental guidance
The Science Behind Our Evidence-Based Parenting Approach
Nurturing Parenting® programs are developed based on extensive research in child development, neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and family dynamics. Recent neurological studies have confirmed what our programs have emphasized for decades: early relationships significantly impact brain development and set the foundation for lifelong emotional regulation, social skills, and cognitive abilities.
Our curriculum incorporates findings from attachment theory research, demonstrating that secure parent-child bonds lead to better outcomes across multiple domains including:
- Enhanced emotional regulation and stress management
- Improved cognitive development and academic performance
- Healthier relationship formation throughout life
- Greater resilience when facing adversity
- Reduced risk of behavioral problems and mental health challenges
The programs are continuously updated to reflect the latest research findings, ensuring parents receive the most current, evidence-based guidance available.
Key Resources for New Parents and Young Children
Nurturing Parenting® provides a comprehensive range of resources tailored to support new parents throughout their journey:
- Prenatal Families Program: Designed for expectant parents, this program emphasizes the importance of nurturing during pregnancy, covering essential topics like fetal development, prenatal bonding, maternal health, stress management, preparing for birth, and creating a nurturing environment for your newborn. Research shows that prenatal bonding and stress reduction can positively impact birth outcomes and early attachment.
- Nurturing Skills for Families Program: A comprehensive program for parents of children from birth to 19 years, focusing on empathy, self-worth, and appropriate discipline strategies. This program includes 80 lessons across various domains including:
- Understanding and responding to your child’s developmental needs
- Building healthy communication patterns that grow with your child
- Managing challenging behaviors effectively and compassionately
- Promoting self-care for parents to prevent burnout
- Establishing routines that support family harmony
- Easy Reader Parent Handbook: This accessible resource simplifies complex parenting concepts using illustrations and straightforward language, making vital information available to parents of all literacy levels and learning styles. The handbook covers day-to-day challenges like soothing techniques for crying babies, safe sleep practices, reading your baby’s cues, and managing the transition to solid foods.
- Nurturing Program for Parents and Their Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: This cornerstone program offers age-specific guidance for the crucial early years when brain development is most rapid. The curriculum addresses:
- Infant attachment and bonding techniques
- Understanding developmental milestones and supporting their achievement
- Managing the unique challenges of toddlerhood with patience and understanding
- Preparing children for success in preschool environments
- Supporting language development and early literacy
- Specialized Support Programs: Recognizing that families face diverse challenges, we offer targeted programs for specific situations including:
- Support for parents of children with special needs
- Resources for grandparents raising grandchildren
- Programs for teen parents balancing education and parenting
- Guidance for co-parenting after separation or divorce
- Support for families facing substance abuse recovery
For a complete list of available resources, visit the Parents and Their Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers section.
Proven Outcomes: The Impact of Nurturing Parenting® Programs
The effectiveness of our evidence-based parenting programs is documented through extensive research and evaluation. Program outcomes consistently show measurable improvements in key areas:
- Reduced incidence of child maltreatment
- Improved parent-child communication
- Increased knowledge of child development and appropriate expectations
- Enhanced parental confidence and reduced stress
- Better utilization of community support resources
Why Choose Nurturing Parenting® Programs?
With over four decades of research and implementation, Nurturing Parenting® programs are recognized for their effectiveness in promoting positive parenting practices and preventing child abuse and neglect. These programs have undergone rigorous evaluation and have consistently demonstrated positive outcomes for families across diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
Key advantages of our approach include:
- Cultural sensitivity and adaptability: Our programs have been successfully implemented across diverse communities worldwide, with materials available in multiple languages and adaptations that respect cultural differences in family structures and parenting practices.
- Flexibility in delivery: Programs can be facilitated in group settings, through home visitation, or in combination, allowing for adaptation to family schedules and comfort levels.
- Strength-based approach: Rather than focusing on deficits, our programs identify and build upon existing family strengths while introducing new skills and perspectives.
- Trauma-informed methodology: Recognizing that many parents have experienced their own childhood trauma, our approach incorporates healing principles that address intergenerational patterns.
- Ongoing support: Nurturing Parenting® isn’t just a one-time intervention but offers continuing resources as children grow and family dynamics evolve.
These programs are adaptable to various cultural contexts and have been utilized worldwide, including by military families through the DoD’s adoption of the Nurturing Parenting Program for their NPSP. The program’s international implementation spans six continents, demonstrating its universal relevance while maintaining cultural sensitivity.
Learn more about the philosophy and history of these programs on the About Us page.
Program Implementation: How Nurturing Parenting® Works
Nurturing Parenting® programs are designed for practical application in real-world settings. Implementation typically follows this structure:
- Assessment: Families complete the Adult-Adolescent Parenting Inventory (AAPI-2) to identify specific strengths and areas for growth
- Individualized planning: Based on assessment results, facilitators work with families to create personalized learning paths
- Structured sessions: Programs typically consist of 12-48 sessions depending on family needs and program intensity
- Experiential learning: Parents practice new skills through role-playing, guided interactions with their children, and home practice assignments
- Progress evaluation: Regular check-ins measure improvement and adjust approaches as needed
- Community connection: Families are linked with ongoing community resources to sustain progress
Programs can be delivered by trained professionals including social workers, family support specialists, early childhood educators, home visitors, and healthcare providers who complete our comprehensive facilitator training.
Getting Started with Nurturing Parenting® Programs
Embarking on the journey of parenthood is both exciting and challenging. Nurturing Parenting® is here to guide you every step of the way with evidence-based support that acknowledges both the joys and difficulties of raising children in today’s complex world.
To begin your nurturing parenting journey:
- Explore our programs: Review the different program options to find the best fit for your family’s stage and needs
- Find local implementation: Use our website to locate Nurturing Parenting® facilitators in your community
- Access online resources: Many materials are available for immediate use, allowing you to begin incorporating nurturing principles right away
- Connect with community: Join online or local parent groups that follow the Nurturing Parenting® philosophy to build your support network
To explore the full range of programs and resources available, visit the Nurturing Parenting® website.
For additional insights into the effectiveness of these programs, refer to the Research section, which documents over 35 years of evaluation studies demonstrating the positive impact of our approach on family outcomes.
Resources for Parenting Professionals and Facilitators
For professionals interested in bringing Nurturing Parenting® programs to their communities, we offer comprehensive training and implementation support. Our facilitator certification programs provide the knowledge and skills needed to effectively deliver these evidence-based interventions while maintaining program fidelity.
Professionals from various disciplines can benefit from our approach, including:
- Family support specialists and social workers
- Early childhood educators and childcare providers
- Healthcare professionals including pediatricians and nurses
- Mental health counselors and therapists
- Community outreach workers and home visitors
Visit our Facilitator Resources page to learn more about bringing these programs to your organization or community.
Empower yourself with knowledge, nurture your relationships, and prepare for the beautiful journey of parenthood with Nurturing Parenting® Programs. The investment you make today in developing nurturing skills will yield benefits for generations to come, creating a legacy of emotional health and positive relationships for your family.