Positive Parenting and PSS to Caregivers of Young Children in Tanzania THRIVE project REPSSI 2015 PSS Forum “Care, Love and Protect from Infancy to Adolescence” September 2015

Introduction THRIVE targets vulnerable caregivers and children under five Works in health facilities through RCH/PMTCT clinics and communities to provide positive parenting to parents and caregivers of children under five Uses other platforms including SILC and mothers/fathers support groups to provide positive parenting messages Works with local CBOs using community-based volunteers Provides early stimulation activities in ECD spaces attached to health/PMTCT sites 2

Project justification Early childhood development (ECD) interventions have the most benefit for children who are the most vulnerable and have a mediating effect on maternal mental functioning for HIV-positive mothers. CRS’s THRIVE program includes psychosocial support to caregivers who want to improve their parenting practices. Allen, AB et al (2014) The role of parenting in affecting the behavior and adaptive functioning of young children of HIV-infected mothers in South Africa, AIDS Behav. Mar;18(3): doi: /s

Methods A baseline was conducted on 505 caregivers (parents and guardians) of children under age 3, with a planned follow-up to determine whether their ECD knowledge or practice around targeted intervention areas changed over time. To obtain qualitative data and better understand cultural parenting practices, eighteen focus group discussions were also held with 150 caregivers. 4

Results: Baseline report 5 Children statusCaregivers 22.5% of the children in the project were single or double orphans. 51.7% of caregivers practiced in two or more ECD practices with their children 70.4% of children had at least one play item in the home with 7.6% of children having at least one book. In behavior management, 77.5% of caregivers reporting using positive discipline methods and 65.8% reporting that they had used physical punishment.

Results continues…. The qualitative results indicated that play was not understood or valued as a way to enhance child development. Additionally, most caregivers said physical punishment was the community norm and preferred to control unwanted behavior through punishment rather than using positive disciple methods. 6 “Parents reported that they understood that children enjoy playing but they could not associate child play with physical and mental development. Parents also indicated less involvement of parents in their children play because they could not see the direct link between parental direct involvements in child play with any significant development.” Qualitative research consultant “Parents reported that they understood that children enjoy playing but they could not associate child play with physical and mental development. Parents also indicated less involvement of parents in their children play because they could not see the direct link between parental direct involvements in child play with any significant development.” Qualitative research consultant

Project Interventions Program interventions have been targeted to encourage safe, stimulating environments and responsive parenting in health facilities and ECD spaces established in communities, SILC groups, mothers/fathers support groups and home visits 7

ECD Space 8 Photo by Philip Laubner/CRS Children can play and parents can learn how to stimulate their child’s mind through the modeling of lead parents.

Photo by Philip Laubner/CRS

Progress Final evaluation results is yet to be analyzed and shared Through Mid Term Evaluation report parents have reported the relevance of parenting knowledge to parents and caregivers Psychosocial messages – social stimulation and play were among new concept to parents. According to MTE parents are starting to recognize value of children interacting and developing social skills. Parents reported not seeing the value of the aspect before the project. 10

Progress continues… As per MTE parents have reported to see use of toys as a way to identify and develop child’s talents and skills Alternative discipline was also noted by some parents though this areas still needs more intervention being a traditional approach 11 “Every time she comes, she chooses the pen to use. After taking the pen, she tries to scribe. When you give her other stuff like a ball, she throws them away. She only likes the pen. Maybe she has the talent of studying and writing.” CBV, Geita, TZ “Some parents do cane them. We need to teach them, it takes a while. But generally they know to just talk to the child to help him understand.” CBV, Mwanza, TZ

Conclusion Many caregivers are engaged in good practices, but not consistently and they lack a broad understanding of how children develop during their early years. THRIVE’ s integration of psychosocial support with parenting training gives caregivers a model of positive interpersonal communication within which it promotes the uptake of responsive parenting behaviors. 12 “I must appreciate for the knowledge that I have received from this project [THRIVE]. I now know the importance of early stimulation and how it affects the growth and development of my children. I have not kept all the knowledge to myself, I speak to other parents and I can see some improvements.” TZ THRIVE Beneficiary “I must appreciate for the knowledge that I have received from this project [THRIVE]. I now know the importance of early stimulation and how it affects the growth and development of my children. I have not kept all the knowledge to myself, I speak to other parents and I can see some improvements.” TZ THRIVE Beneficiary