Coparenting Supports in Mitigating the Effects of Family Conflict on Infant and Young Child Development

Family conflict has a profound impact on infants and young children's social-emotional and behavioral development. In work with infants and young children, it is critical to understand the ways in which conflict between coparents infiltrates the family system, creating less than optimum environments for young children. Current research suggests that children who are surrounded by family conflict lag behind in the development of social, emotional, and regulatory skills. Developing a clear understanding of the ways in which children need to be supported through solid coparental relationships is essential because young children's sense of safety and security enables them to optimize their developmental capacities. This report and analysis of supports for coparenting also reviews the literature on the effects of coparental conflict on children. Considering the mother-father-child triangle and the benefits of coparenting to the young child, particularly in families in which conflict exists, enhances our work with families. An exploration of the opportunities for integrating coparenting supports into services for families is discussed, and a case for incorporating these strategies into treatment protocols is made. Recommendations for further research on the use of coparenting supports to buffer the effects of family conflict on infants and young children are proposed.