Evidence-based parenting support
We know it’s tough to find trustworthy information as a parent, and you don’t have time to do all the research yourself—that’s why Triplemoon is here to help.
Our Learning Programs are crafted by clinical experts and use the latest research—explore in it detail here for your peace of mind.
Pillars of our approach
Parenting Skills
There is no single right way to parent nor “rules” that work for every family. Our modules on parenting skills offer parents an opportunity to deepen their understanding of their child and of themselves with the ultimate goal of strengthening relationships. Our parenting skills modules will help you to parent your child in a way that is evidence based yet still authentic and intuitive. Our modules on parenting skills are built on science from decades of research including:
Child development
Attachment theory
Interpersonal neurobiology
Infant mental health
Parent Mental Health
Recent research published by Harvard Graduate School and the “Making Caring Common Project” shows that child and parent mental health are inextricably linked. Parenting can be one of the most joyful yet stressful parts of life—exacerbating and/or creating new mental health concerns. Our modules on Adult Mental Health take a compassionate approach, focusing on not only your identity as a caregiver, but also as a human being. Modules on Parent Mental Health are built on an interdisciplinary field of research including:
Attachment theory
Interpersonal Neurobiology
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Polyvagal Theory
Child Mental Health
Child mental health tops the list of parental concerns (above drugs, alcohol, gun violence, bullying) as of a June 2023 Pew Research article. Our modules that address child mental health are purpose-fit to be both educational and empowering so that every parent can feel equipped to acknowledge and address mental health concerns with their children, as needed. While the Triplemoon Learning Programs are not psychotherapy, they are informed by the leading theories in the field of psychology. Our approach is founded on theories with decades of stringent research including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Filial Play Therapy
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Nutrition
Nutrition is more than what we eat everyday. As parents, food can be a significant source of stress and uncertainty starting from the nursery and through the toddler years. This period in life can also weaken our own commitments to a healthy lifestyle. Our approach focuses on helping the whole family find healthy and sustainable sources of nutrition that meet your needs biologically, emotionally and relationally. Our modules on nutrition are rooted in time-tested scientific literature focusing on:
Benefits of consuming Mediterranean diet
Effects of added sugars
Power of food as medicine
Developing healthy food roles & relationships
Backed by the leading science
Parenting Skills
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Children are incredibly capable and yet incredibly incapable at the same time. As parents it can be frustrating (to say the least) when your child behaves in a seemingly “illogical” way. However, putting that behavior into the context of your child’s age and capability can unlock a new level of understanding and empathy. Our modules help parents develop understanding of your child’s development from multiple angles (physical development, cognitive development, emotional development, etc) in order to set age-appropriate expectations (and responses).
Leading Research
Altmann, T., Hill, D. L., Shelov, S. P., & Hannemann, R. E. (Eds.). (2019). Caring for your baby and Young Child, 7th edition: Birth to age 5. Random House Publishing Group.
American Academy of Pediatrics (2024). The AAP Parenting Website. Retrieved April 22, 2024, from https://www.healthychildren.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Module 2: Understanding children's developmental milestones. Retrieved April 22, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/watchmetraining/module2.html
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Attachment theory explores the significant, unique relationship between parent and child. It influences how children view themselves, relationships with others, and the world around them. A secure attachment style prompts a sense of internal safety for the child and an understanding that their needs will be met. John Bowlby first developed attachment theory in the 1960s, and collaborated with Mary Ainsworth in the 1970s. They shifted the focus from pure behavioral change to a deeper understanding of the perspective of the child. An abundance of attachment research has been replicated in recent years and we are continuing to learn a great deal about the myriad of benefits this strong foundation has for children and families.
Leading Research:
Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss (No. 79). Random House.
Bretherton, I. (2013). The origins of attachment theory: John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. In Attachment theory (pp. 45-84). Routledge.
Powell, B., Cooper, G., Hoffman, K., & Marvin, B. (2014). The circle of security intervention: Enhancing attachment in early parent-child relationships. The Guilford Press.
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Interpersonal Neurobiology is a theory about the connection between the mind, brain, and relationships. This theory considers research from many domains, including biology psychology, and neuroscience. By uniting these “separate” disciplines within science, we can better consider the full picture of the child’s and parent’s needs, desires, and actions. It focuses on “the whole person.” Dan Siegel developed this theory in the 1990s, which has informed numerous parenting interventions since then. Understanding Interpersonal Neurobiology as a parent not only helps you understand yourself and how to manage tough emotions, but equips you to teach these insights and skills to your children.
Leading Research:
Siegel, D. J. (2020). The developing mind: How relationships and the brain interact to shape who we are. Guilford Publications.
Siegel, D. J. (2012). Pocket guide to interpersonal neurobiology: An integrative handbook of the mind (Norton series on interpersonal neurobiology). WW Norton & Company.
Siegel, D. J. (2001). Toward an interpersonal neurobiology of the developing mind: Attachment relationships, “mindsight,” and neural integration. Infant Mental Health Journal: official publication of the world association for infant mental health, 22(1‐2), 67-94.
Siegel, D. (2024, June 4). Interpersonal neurobiology. Dr. Dan Siegel. https://drdansiegel.com/interpersonal-neurobiology/
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“Infant Mental Health” focuses on ages 0-5, the ages when a child’s social-emotional development is heavily impacted by their parents or caregivers. Research and treatment in the field of Infant Mental Health emphasizes both the role the parents play in promoting the mental health of their children and the importance of parents taking care of their own mental health needs. This approach is strengths-based, designed to uplift parents by highlighting their strengths and to instill a sense of hope as parents address vulnerable topics for the better of their child.
Leading Research:
Osofsky, J. D. (2016). Infant mental health. In J. C. Norcross, G. R. VandenBos, D. K. Freedheim, & M. M. Domenech Rodríguez (Eds.), APA handbook of clinical psychology: Roots and branches (pp. 43–58). American Psychological Association.
Zeanah, C. H. (4th Ed.). (2018). Handbook of infant mental health. Guilford Publications.
Parent Mental Health
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Attachment theory, originally created by John Bowlby in the 1960s and further developed as a collaboration with Mary Ainsworth in the 1970s, explores the significant, unique relationship between parent and child. Since its inception this theory has been replicated, expanded and applied to a variety of contexts for both children and adults alike. The thesis behind attachment theory is that this foundational parent-child relationship becomes internalized and has a lasting impact on a person’s life throughout their childhood and adult years. In adulthood this internalized attachment influences how you interact with others at work, socially, in your romantic relationship and eventually plays a role with your own child! It’s a full circle experience. Therefore, looking back to understand your own attachment story can shed light on yourself and your parenting style. This insight can help you make conscious steps toward being the parent you want to be. Equipped with this understanding and intention, fostering a secure attachment with your own child can feel intuitive and satisfying. Children are not the only ones who benefit from a secure attachment, parents in these relationships also experience increased connection and enjoyment serving to reinforce the positive cycle in parenting.
Leading Research:
Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss (No. 79). Random House.
Bretherton, I. (2013). The origins of attachment theory: John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. In Attachment theory (pp. 45-84). Routledge.
Powell, B., Cooper, G., Hoffman, K., & Marvin, B. (2014). The circle of security intervention: Enhancing attachment in early parent-child relationships. The Guilford Press.
Simpson, J. A. & Rholes, S. W. (2017). Adult Attachment, Stress, and Romantic Relationships. Current Opinion in Psychology, 13, 19-24. https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.copsyc.2016.04.006
Siegel, D. J. & Hartzell, M. (2005). Parenting from the inside out. Jeremy P. Tarcher.
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Interpersonal Neurobiology is a theory about the connection between the mind, brain, and relationships. This theory considers research from many domains, including biology, psychology, and neuroscience. Dan Siegel developed this theory in the 1990s and has applied this research to children, teens, adults and parenting. Understanding Interpersonal Neurobiology as a parent not only helps you understand yourself and how to manage tough emotions, but equips you to teach these insights and skills to your children.
Leading Research:
Siegel, D. J. (2020). The developing mind: How relationships and the brain interact to shape who we are. Guilford Publications.
Siegel, D. J. (2012). Pocket guide to interpersonal neurobiology: An integrative handbook of the mind (Norton series on interpersonal neurobiology). WW Norton & Company.
Siegel, D. J. (2001). Toward an interpersonal neurobiology of the developing mind: Attachment relationships, “mindsight,” and neural integration. Infant Mental Health Journal: official publication of the world association for infant mental health, 22(1‐2), 67-94.
Siegel, D. (2024, June 4). Interpersonal neurobiology. Dr. Dan Siegel. https://drdansiegel.com/interpersonal-neurobiology/
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is based on research demonstrating that thoughts, emotions, and actions are connected, and that they all impact each other. For example, our thoughts impact how we feel, and our actions impact what we think. CBT addresses mental health challenges by changing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Aaron Beck, M.D. spearheaded the development of CBT, starting in the 1970’s and there have been thousands of studies over the past 50+ years demonstrating its effectiveness. CBT has become the gold standard choice of treatment for many mental health related concerns ranging from daily stress to anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and more. This foundational theory and its associated skills can be applied to individual parenting stress, improving mood, the enhancement of perspective-taking and empathy toward your child and improvement in family communication.
Leading research:
Butler, A. C., Chapman, J. E., Forman, E. M., & Beck, A. T. (2006). The empirical status of cognitive-behavioral therapy: a review of meta-analyses. Clinical psychology review, 26(1), 17–31.
Kaczkurkin, A. N., & Foa, E. B. (2015). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: an update on the empirical evidence. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 17(3), 337–346.
DeRubeis, R. J., Hollon, S. D., Amsterdam, J. D., Shelton, R. C., Young, P. R., Salomon, R. M., … & Gallop, R. (2005). Cognitive therapy vs medications in the treatment of moderate to severe depression. Archives of general psychiatry, 62(4), 409-416.
CBT resources. Beck Institute. (2023, November 17). https://beckinstitute.org/cbt-resources/
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Polyvagal Theory, first introduced by Stephen Porges, PhD in 1992, describes the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in our daily lives including our response to the environment (e.g., stress, danger and safety), physical health and mental wellness. The three main response states of the nervous system include (1) mobilization (fight or flight response) (2) immobilization (shutting down, collapse, overwhelm) and (3) social engagement (a calm behavioral state). Understanding the three main responses of the ANS, and the role of the vagus nerve, can help individuals regulate their experiences through body-based interventions. Many parents can relate to experiencing “visceral” or overwhelming physical and emotional responses to their children (e.g., a baby crying, a toddler “tantrum” or a screaming 4 year old in a store). Understanding Polyvagal theory and associated skills can help give you control over your own physical and emotional sensations and come back down to a calm state in order to finish that grocery trip or try to put the baby back to sleep.
Leading research:
Porges, S. W. (2009). The polyvagal theory: New insights into adaptive reactions of the autonomic nervous system. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 76(Suppl 2): S86-S90.
Porges, S. W. (2023). The vagal paradox: A polyvagal solution. Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology, 16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpnec.2023.100200
Polyvagal institute. (n.d.). What is Polyvagal Theory? https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/whatispolyvagaltheory
Dr. Stephen Porges and Polyvagal Institute. Polyvagal Institute. (2024). https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/
Child Mental Health
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is based on research demonstrating that thoughts, emotions and actions are connected, and that they all impact each other. For example, our thoughts impact how we feel, and our actions impact what we think about. CBT addresses mental health challenges by changing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Aaron Beck spearheaded the development of CBT, starting in the 1970’s and there have been thousands of studies over the past 50+ years demonstrating its effectiveness. CBT has become the gold standard choice of treatment for many child mental health related concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and more. CBT distills complex concepts into digestible strategies that children can easily apply in their daily life. A basic understanding of CBT can help parents’ support effective coping strategies with their children.
Leading research:
Butler, A. C., Chapman, J. E., Forman, E. M., & Beck, A. T. (2006). The empirical status of cognitive-behavioral therapy: a review of meta-analyses. Clinical psychology review, 26(1), 17–31.
Kaczkurkin, A. N., & Foa, E. B. (2015). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: an update on the empirical evidence. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 17(3), 337–346.
DeRubeis, R. J., Hollon, S. D., Amsterdam, J. D., Shelton, R. C., Young, P. R., Salomon, R. M., … & Gallop, R. (2005). Cognitive therapy vs medications in the treatment of moderate to severe depression. Archives of general psychiatry, 62(4), 409-416.
CBT resources. Beck Institute. (2023, November 17). https://beckinstitute.org/cbt-resources/
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Filial Therapy uses play as the primary method of communication between parent and child. It differs than some forms of play therapy in its inclusion of and emphasis on the parent’s presence with the child. It not only provides benefit to the child while participating in filial play therapy, but the benefit also extends beyond the sessions themselves because the parent is learning a new way of interacting with their child. It was developed by Bernard and Louise Guerney in the 1960s, and is appropriate to address many mental health and relational concerns. Triplemoon’s Learning Programs were designed to teach parents how to interact, and play, with their children in a way that makes a difference for children. The basic concepts of Filial Therapy have informed Triplemoon’s approach.
Leading research:
Guerney, L. (2000). Filial therapy into the 21st century. International Journal of Play Therapy, 9(2), 1.
Guerney Jr, B. (1964). Filial therapy: Description and rationale. Journal of consulting psychology, 28(4), 304.
VanFleet, R., & Topham, G. L. (2015). Filial therapy. Handbook of play therapy, 135-164.
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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy first focuses on strengthening the parent-child relationship by coaching parents on specific strategies to facilitate positive time between the parent and child. It then addresses how to handle children’s challenging behavior. It’s effective for a wide range of presenting concerns with young children. The American Psychological Association’s Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology has named PCIT an effective, evidence-based treatment approach. The basic theory and research of PCIT has informed Triplemoon’s approach of promoting mental health in children through its emphasis on concrete, actionable steps to foster the parent-child relationship.
Leading Research:
Kohlhoff, J., Morgan, S., Briggs, N., Egan, R., & Niec, L. (2020). Parent–Child Interaction Therapy with toddlers: A community-based randomized controlled trial with children aged 14-24 months. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 1-16.
McNeil C. B., & Hembree-Kigin, T. L. (2010). Parent-child interaction therapy, 2nd ed. Springer.
Phillips, S., & Mychailyszyn, M. (2021). A review of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): Applications for youth anxiety. Children and Youth Services Review, 125, 105986.
Information for Parents. Official website for PCIT International and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). (n.d.). https://www.pcit.org/for-parents.html
Nutrition
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A Mediterranean-style diet comprised of whole foods with an emphasis on high fiber intake, plentiful antioxidants and phytonutrients, adequate high-quality protein, and a preference for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, with a reduction in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and artificial preservatives, has been shown to improve health outcomes at all stages. Eating this way over a lifetime is linked to longer lifespan and less risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and cancer
Leading research:
Capra, M. E., Monopoli, D., Decarolis, N. M., Giudice, A., Stanyevic, B., Esposito, S., & Biasucci, G. (2023, August 21). Dietary models and Cardiovascular Risk Prevention in Pediatric patients. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10458109/
Finicelli, M., Di Salle, A., Galderisi, U., & Peluso, G. (2022, July 19). The Mediterranean Diet: An update of the clinical trials. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9317652/
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The detrimental impact of a high added-sugar diet has been proven repeatedly in the medical literature. Added sugar is linked to increased obesity risk, increased fat deposition in the liver, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol), high blood pressure, insulin resistance and cardio-metabolic risk . At the same time, disordered eating patterns are becoming more prevalent in youth, and the relationship with food is molded by food experiences in formative years. We believe that a balanced approach, limiting added sugar in daily life but allowing for enjoyment of special items we call “extras” on occasion, is the best way to support children mentally and physically.
Leading research:
Rupérez, A. I., Mesana, M. I., & Moreno, L. A. (2019, May). Dietary sugars, metabolic effects and child health. Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30946053/
Stabouli, S., Erdine, S., Suurorg, L., Jankauskienė, A., & Lurbe, E. (2021, November 29). Obesity and eating disorders in children and adolescents: The bidirectional link. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8705700/
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Dietary interventions are powerful in the context of managing chronic conditions, and we believe in using research-backed methods to support your family through whatever conditions they experience. From supporting metabolic health, to thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis , from gut microbiome imbalance to mental and emotional health, we have pored through the literature and picked out the actionable pieces that will support your family’s health. We do the research so you don’t need to.
Leading Research:
Lattimer, J. M., & Haub, M. D. (2010, December 15). Effects of dietary fiber and its components on Metabolic Health. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257631/
O’Neil, A., Quirk, S. E., Housden, S., Brennan, S. L., Williams, L. J., Pasco, J. A., Berk, M., & Jacka, F. N. (2014, October). Relationship between diet and mental health in children and adolescents: A systematic review. American journal of public health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4167107/
Ülker, M. T., Çolak, G.A., Baş, M., & Erdem, M. G. (2023, November 20). Evaluation of the effect of gluten-free diet and Mediterranean diet on autoimmune system in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Food science & nutrition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10867487/
Zhang, P. (2022, August 24). Influence of foods and nutrition on the gut microbiome and implications for Intestinal Health. International journal of molecular sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9455721/
Parenting science in the news
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May 2024
“Matrescence,” and the Transformations of Motherhood
Lucy Jones’s process of dismantling and rebuilding her conception of motherhood forms the basis of her new book, “Matrescence: On Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood”—which is part memoir, part explanation of the science and sociology of motherhood.
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June 2023
Caring for the Caregivers: The Critical Link Between Parent and Teen Mental Health
Published by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and the Making Caring Common Project, this article explores the “largely untold story” of caregivers and the deep ties between parent and child emotional health
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January 2023
Parenting in America Today
Published by Pew Research Center, this article covers the rise in mental health concerns amongst parents and highlights the unexpected difficulties of parenting
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October 2022
Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Care in the U.S.
Published by the Association of American Medical Colleges this article touches on the state of mental healthcare in America and the suggestions for how to improve access to care
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August 2023
Understanding Brain Development in Babies and Toddlers
Published by Zero to Three, this article covers the importance of the first three years of life with respect to human brain development highlighting the role that sleep, play, nutrition and interaction play and the special role of parents and caregivers.
Our Most Popular Learning Programs
Meet our Experts
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Dr. Katie Sardone
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, PhD, PMH-C
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Dr. Margaret Vadiee
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, PhD
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Dr. Ann Dunnewold
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, PhD, PMH-C
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Megan Lyons
BOARD CERTIFIED CLINICAL AND HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST
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Dr. Sarah Hosseini
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, Pys.D.
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Emily Baker
FUNCTIONAL NUTRITIONIST, CERTIFIED NUTRITION SPECIALIST
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Kassady Backes
FUNCTIONAL NUTRITIONIST, M.S HUMAN NUTRITION (CAND)
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Dr. Rachel Oppenheimer
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, PysD AND LICENSED SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY
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Melissa O'Neill
REGISTERED NURSE, BSN & SLEEP COACH
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