The Research
attune is built on Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Gottman's Emotion Coaching - the most extensively researched parenting interventions in existence. These aren't Instagram tips. They're the methods that actually work.
50+
years of clinical research
150+
peer-reviewed studies
154
randomised controlled trials in meta-analysis
d=1.65
effect size (considered "large")
We didn't invent these techniques. We're making them accessible to parents who don't have time for a 16-week clinical programme.
Developed by Dr. Sheila Eyberg in 1974, PCIT is one of the most extensively researched parenting interventions in existence. It's used in children's hospitals worldwide and listed on multiple government evidence-based practice registries.
Dr. John Gottman's longitudinal research tracked families over decades to understand what actually predicts better outcomes for children. His Emotion Coaching approach is the evidence-based alternative to dismissing or minimising children's feelings.
Five techniques that PCIT research has shown to strengthen the parent-child relationship. These are what attune helps you practise.
Specific, behaviour-focused praise that tells your child exactly what they did well. Not just "Good job" but "Great job stacking those blocks so carefully."
Why it works:
Your child learns exactly which behaviour to repeat. Builds genuine self-esteem based on effort and action rather than vague approval. Meta-analyses identify specific praise as one of the two most effective techniques across all parenting programmes.
Repeating or paraphrasing what your child says, showing them they've been heard.
Example:
Child: "I'm making a tower!" → Parent: "You're making a tower!"
Shows your child they're heard, validates their experience, builds vocabulary, and keeps them in the lead.
Doing what your child is doing in play. "I'm going to build one too" or "I'll draw a circle like yours."
Why it works:
Demonstrates genuine interest and follows the child's lead rather than directing. Shows them their ideas are worth copying.
Narrating what your child is doing, like a sports commentator. "You're putting the blue block on top. Now you're looking for another one."
Why it works:
Shows sustained attention and interest, builds vocabulary, extends attention span, and lets your child lead without interruption.
Genuine positive affect, warmth, and engagement. "Wow!", "Oh cool!", "Look at that!" Matching your child's energy.
Why it works:
Emotional connection is the foundation. Techniques without warmth don't work. Research on parental warmth as a predictor of child outcomes is robust across cultures and decades.
When your child is upset, the PRIDE skills alone aren't enough. Gottman's research identified a four-step process that predicts better outcomes.
1. Recognise and validate
"You seem really frustrated" / "I can see you're upset"
2. Empathise without fixing
"It's hard when things don't work the way you want"
3. Set limits while accepting emotion
"It's okay to feel angry. It's not okay to hit."
4. Problem-solve (when calm)
"What could we try instead?"
Research shows these common responses - though well-intentioned - are counterproductive:
PCIT research identifies three patterns that undermine connection during play and bonding time. They're not "bad" - they're just less helpful in those moments.
Testing questions like "What colour is that?" take the lead away from your child and can feel like an exam.
Genuine curiosity is fine. Testing questions interrupt flow.
Instructions like "Put that there" take the lead away and can create power struggles during play time.
Commands are fine for safety. Less helpful during bonding.
"That's wrong" or "That's not how you do it" damages self-esteem and breaks connection.
This is the most important to avoid. Any criticism during play is significant.
A 2018 meta-analysis of 154 randomised controlled trials identified what actually works across all major parenting programmes.
Researchers analysed data from PCIT, Triple P, Incredible Years, and other programmes to find which specific techniques drive results. Two stood out:
Positive reinforcement
Especially labelled/specific praise
Nonviolent discipline
Natural and logical consequences
Source: Leijten, P., et al. (2018). Meta-analyses: Key parenting program components for disruptive child behavior. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Not generic tips. Real techniques from real research - delivered in bite-sized feedback based on your actual conversations.
We'll let you know when attune is ready. No spam.