A recent cut in the commission's financial support meant the demise of one of two classes. The tune-up class was added to partially offset this. And the mothers showed lower depression levels, with most showing measurable increased knowledge of parenting skills and child development. A very important part of the program is teaching the parents and children to interact. They have playtime together, eat lunch together, and sing songs.
Parents learn how to give massages to their infants.
The mom gets the impression that the baby doesn't like her. When you massage the baby, it will relax and not be stiff, and start to mold into your arms. Parents also learn to talk with the babies, Van Beveren says. The talking is important because the No. 1 problem we find with these children is language delay. The program is open to all children who have been exposed to drugs or alcohol prenatally or after birth through the age of 6.