PERCS Conversation Guide: Infants and toddlers

The early years of development are vital in shaping a child’s long-term mental health. The first three years of life are characterised by rapid physical and cognitive growth (Healthwise, 2019). Beyond learning to communicate and control their bodies, an infant’s major developmental challenge is to form a secure relationship with at least one reliable caregiver who can respond to their physical and emotional needs. This formative connection:

• gives infants and toddlers a sense of agency in their world
• is foundational in the development of trust in others
• nurtures an internalised ‘working model’ that forms the basis for self-awareness, self-esteem and emotional, social and cognitive development (DeKlyen & Greenberg, 2008).

To support parents, infants and toddlers as they navigate these early years, it is essential for practitioners to have a baseline understanding of infants and toddlers’ development and their caregiving experiences.

When practitioners feel confident to talk with parents about the key domains of health and wellbeing, opportunities for health promotion and early intervention are created, which sets up infants and toddlers for positive mental health later in life.

If you are not sure how to talk with parents about their children, particularly when the family is facing adversity, the PERCS Conversation Guide can help.

The PERCS Conversation Guide is designed to support collaborative, respectful conversations between professionals and parent-clients about how adversity can affect the whole family. This version of the guide focuses on conversations with parents of infants and/or toddlers.

This psychosocial discussion tool was developed based on academic evidence and consultations with practitioners and parents. It recognises that for many professionals, particularly those working in adult-focused services, it can be difficult to talk with parents about their children and how the parent’s challenges may be impacting on the rest of the family. The guide includes example questions designed to help you explore the five important domains in a child’s life:

• Parent–child relationship
• Emotions and behaviours
• Routines
• Communication and meaning-making
• Support networks.

The PERCS Conversation Guide aims to help professionals to recognise parents’ strengths and hopes for their family, and to identify opportunities to support and improve children’s mental health, physical health, resilience and wellbeing. Download a copy of the free guide using the link towards the top of this page.