Introducing Parenting D.A.N.C.E.: Delivering Approaches to Nurture Children’s Emotions

Those familiar with The MOMS Partnership® (MOMS) at Yale Child Study Center are likely aware of a the MOMS Stress Management Course, but may not know about the other interventions in the MOMS toolkit, including Parenting D.A.N.C.E. This science-informed program for mothers teaches skills for building a positive relationship with their children and supporting emotional development from infancy through early adolescence.

Parenting D.A.N.C.E.—which stands for Delivering Approaches to Nurture Children’s Emotions—is composed of six group sessions and two individual sessions. The program helps moms understand and respond effectively to their children’s behaviors, emotions, and needs through attuned interactions. The curriculum blends practical tools with personalized, reflective learning to strengthen the caregiver-child relationship, promote emotional regulation skills, and support healthy development.

Delivered in trusted, community-based settings where MOMS operates, Parenting D.A.N.C.E. is designed to be accessible and strengths-focused. Sessions include guided discussions, video feedback, and opportunities for moms to share together. The program recognizes the real-world challenges parents face and offers nonjudgmental, culturally responsive strategies for everyday moments.

Parenting D.A.N.C.E. is designed for mothers and primary caregivers of children from infancy through age 12 and is a powerful complement to other stress management and economic mobility programming that are part of the MOMS toolkit, coordinated through the YCSC Elevate policy lab. The Elevate team is working to expand Parenting D.A.N.C.E. across the lab's network as part of their continued efforts to support parents in building strong, resilient families—one connection at a time.