Strengthening Parent-Child Relationships at Pediatric Visits

Reach Out and Read (ROR) incorporates the importance of early relational health by distributing books during pediatric care visits and encouraging families to read aloud together. Growing scientific evidence demonstrates the significant impact that positive, language-rich parent-child interactions have on building the foundation for health, academic, social, and economic success later in life.

To advance the impact of their work, Reach Out and Read New Jersey is collaborating with the Reach Out and Read National Center to develop, pilot, and evaluate an innovative new pediatric provider training that cover well visits from birth to age 3. In addition to distributing books and encouraging reading, this program will provide training that equips doctors with the skills to observe and evaluate early relational health between parents and their young children during a well-child visit.

Pediatric primary care providers are well positioned to help families build strong, nurturing bonds and help children build resilience to effectively manage life stressors. With around 90% of children attending a well-child check-up annually, these primary care providers provide a unique pathway for reaching parents and children with information and support during these critical years of development. By maximizing the potential of pediatric care, ROR presents an opportunity to strengthen foundational relationships among families as well as promote healthy child development.

The Burke Foundation supports Reach Out and Read New Jersey alongside Einhorn Collaborative.