Sometimes those simple sentences move a parent to tears, said Dr. Thordarson, a pediatrician in Marysville, Wash.
She teaches parents to first calm themselves, then calm the child. "Notice your feelings, take a breath," then try some specific suggestion for the particular behavior, she said. "Once they get that, you often don’t need to show them, ‘This is how you do it.’ "
Dr. Thordarson and other meeting organizers said interest is growing in promoting first relationships and reflective functioning. "We’re really hoping this will catch fire," she said.
Dr. Gold added that the 2013 meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics will feature an emphasis on infant mental health.
The speakers reported having no financial disclosures.