Tuning in to Kids: Theoretical basis, Program Description, and Factors Impacting Effectiveness

This paper introduces Tuning in to Kids (TIK), a suite of parenting programs that take an emotion-focused approach to working with parents and carers to improve parent functioning, the parent-child relationship, and children’s emotional, social, and behavioural functioning. A range of theoretical influences have shaped the program including emotion socialisation theory. A proposed theoretical model for the program is outlined that considers ways in which the program might lead to change. TIK program content and delivery methods are outlined. The final section of the paper outlines a socioecological model that explores the layering of factors contributing to program effectiveness, including child, parent, and family factors; the program content; facilitator factors; organisational factors; and finally, the wider social, cultural, and political influences. These factors provide a framework for reflecting on and understanding what can be both enablers and barriers to program effectiveness.