Early Childhood Mental Health Treatment: Training Reference Guide

Strategies
Cultural Diversity
The child exists within a context of family, physical and social environments, culturally regulated
customs and childrearing practices and dominant beliefs about childhood.
To be culturally competent requires the professional to explore the social-contextual framework
to child development and family life. Ask questions related to key family perceptions and beliefs
in the following areas:
Child Characteristics:
temperament
health
milestone achievement
importance of gender and birth order
Parent practices:
modes of child rearing – feeding, sleeping and socialization practices (includes both
affection and aggression)
role of religion and beliefs about childhood
traditions that are important to preserve
belief about health and healing (includes family view of a disability or special need)
Parent-child interactions:
attachment practices
role of the primary caregiver and importance of other family members in the child’s
life
communication and interaction styles
perception about independence and dependence for differing stages in a child’s life
approach to discipline
Family Context:
priorities and concerns
values related to help and intervention
cont’d...
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