Mother-toddler interactions during child-focused activity in transitional housing.
SUMMARY This report describes the videotaped interactions of five mother-toddler dyads living in transitional housing. This study was designed to specifically examine the interactions as a function of routine in different types of child-focused activity. The interactions were described using the Parent-Toddler Coding System and Rating Scales of Dyadic Interaction (Ray & Tickle-Degnen, 2004). The focus was to examine the socio-emotional and task-supporting interactions that relate to the child's engagement in child-focused activity. Interactions were examined during free play, block play, slide play, and while having a snack. Positive moderate associations were noted between maternal and child socio-emotional dimensions of interactions in all activity conditions. The associations between maternal socio-emotional and task-related dimensions of interactions with child task-related dimensions of interaction were small in a positive direction, with higher associations noted in more familiar tasks such as during slide play or while having a snack. These preliminary findings suggest that familiarity with routines should be considered when examining the interactions that support child activity in families living in transitional housing for the homeless.
Tufts University, Medford, MA.
Sharon A
SA
Ray