Sensitive parenting reduces emotional and behavioral problems in preterm children

A new international study led by researchers at the University of Oulu, Finland, and published in *Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology* has highlighted the importance of sensitive parent–child interactions for children born preterm. The research, which followed a large cohort of infants across multiple countries, found that mothers who respond to their children’s cues with warmth, timeliness and appropriateness help foster developmental progress and reduce the likelihood of later emotional and behavioral problems.

The investigators measured the quality of early caregiving interactions and tracked developmental outcomes over the first few years of life. Their analysis showed that preterm infants who experienced consistent, responsive parenting exhibited better language, cognitive and social‑emotional development than those whose caregivers were less attuned. The study suggests that early, sensitive engagement can mitigate some of the heightened risks that preterm birth poses to a child’s long‑term well‑being.

These findings underscore the role of early parent‑child bonding in promoting healthy development, particularly for vulnerable preterm populations. They also point to the potential benefits of supporting parents with resources and training to enhance responsiveness, which could help reduce the incidence of later difficulties and improve overall developmental trajectories.