• University of Warwick

Babies in Mind: Why the Parent's Mind Matters

Find out how parents and caregivers influence children’s minds, from conception through infancy, with this online course.

50,121 enrolled on this course

Find out how parents and caregivers influence children’s minds, from conception through infancy, with this online course.
  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    4 hours
  • Accreditation

    AvailableMore info

What influences a child’s developing mind from conception through infancy?

We will take you on a journey that begins in pregnancy, exploring the importance of the ability of the mother-to-be to think about her baby while still in utero, alongside the impact on the unborn baby of mental states such as anxiety and depression.

We will then explore what the research tells us about the way in which the parent’s emotional and cognitive mind, can shape the interactional context of the baby during the first two years of life, and the impact of this interaction on the baby’s developing mind.

Skip to 0 minutes and 18 seconds This course is going to be looking at the way in which the parent’s mind influences the child’s development. We’re going to be looking at two aspects of the parent’s mind, their emotional mind and their cognitive mind, and the way in which these aspects of parent’s mind shapes the interactional context of the infant.

Skip to 0 minutes and 39 seconds This course is going to be addressing key questions such as, how is it that a parent’s mind can influence the development of a baby before they’re born? What processes are taking place in the postnatal period that influence the way in which the baby’s developing mind takes place? What are the processes by which a parent, who has experienced trauma, transmits that through to the infant and what it is that we can do during pregnancy and the postnatal period to support parents who are experiencing difficulties? I’m going to be talking to a range of academics and clinicians working in the field of infant mental health. Each week, I will be presenting video material that summarises some of the key issues.

Skip to 1 minute and 26 seconds There will be then opportunities for you to engage with further videos and reading to explore some of these issues in more detail. And there will also be lots of opportunities for you to engage with fellow students on the discussion forum.

Skip to 1 minute and 42 seconds So if you’re interested in learning more about the way in which we, as primary caregivers, can shape a baby’s development, come and join us on what we hope will be a highly stimulating journey from conception through to the second year of the baby’s life.

What topics will you cover?

Throughout, we’ll seek to answer questions such as:

  • How does a parent’s mind influence the development of a baby before he or she is born?
  • What processes take place in the post-natal period that influence the baby’s developing mind?
  • What can we do during pregnancy and the post-natal period to support parents who are experiencing difficulties?

You will get the chance to hear from expert academics and clinicians working in infant mental health, and share your views with other parents and caregivers around the world.

Who is this accredited by?

The Association for Infant Mental Health

The Association for Infant Mental Health

When would you like to start?

  • Date to be announced

Add to Wishlist to be emailed when new dates are announced

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

Who is the course for?

This online course is aimed at everyone who has an interest in promoting the well-being of their own baby, or the parents and babies they work with. You do not need any prior knowledge of infant or child development, just a desire to learn about parents and babies, and the way that early interaction shapes later development. The course is based on the latest research in the field and you will be introduced to key concepts relating to infant psychology and attachment.

Throughout, we’ll seek to answer questions such as:

  • How does a parent’s mind influence the development of a baby before he or she is born?
  • What processes take place in the post-natal period that influence the baby’s developing mind?
  • What can we do during pregnancy and the post-natal period to support parents who are experiencing difficulties?

You will get the chance to hear from expert academics and clinicians working in infant mental health, and share your views with other parents and caregivers around the world.

Who will you learn with?

I am Director of Warwick Infant and Family Wellbeing Unit, where I run a programme of research focusing on promoting maternal and infant wellbeing during pregnancy and the postnatal period.

I am the Course Director for Infant Mental Health Online (IMHOL), Senior Teaching Fellow at Warwick Medical School, MBChB Child Health Lead (phase 1) and Honorary Secretary of AIMH (UK)

Who developed the course?

The University of Warwick

The University of Warwick is forward-looking, entrepreneurial and globally connected. With new ways of thinking and achieving it stands out from its competitors as an inspiring place to study.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control

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Get a taste of this course

Find out what this course is like by previewing some of the course steps before you join:

Join the conversation on social media

You can use the hashtag #FLbabiesinmind to talk about this course on social media.