Transition to Parenthood

Time limits, task assignments and mutual aid underpinnings form the basis for this six-session model of group work, specifically adapted to meet the needs of parents-to-be. Grounded philosophically in the developmental life model of social work practice, this time-limited mutual aid group approach incorporates elements from Schwartz' reciprocal (mutual aid) model, crisis, and task-centered approaches. The article stresses the preventive implications of group support and psychological preparation for couples in the critical period of their transition to first-time parenthood.