# Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes (PICCOLO)

Developed by Lori A. Roggman, Ph.D., Gina A. Cook, Ph.D., Mark S. Innocenti, Ph.D., Vonda Jump Norman, Ph.D., & Katie Christiansen, Ph.D., with Sheila Anderson, Ph.D.

## AFFECTION

**Warmth, physical closeness, and positive expressions toward child**  
!  
**Observation guidelines**  
| # | Parent... | Absent | Barely | Clearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | speaks in a warm tone of voice | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | smiles at child | 0 | 1 | 2 |

## RESPONSIVENESS

**Responding to child’s cues, emotions, words, interests, and behaviors**  
!  
**Observation guidelines**  
| # | Parent... | Absent | Barely | Clearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | pays attention to what child is doing | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | changes pace or activity to meet child’s interests or needs | 0 | 1 | 2 |

## ENCOURAGEMENT

**Active support of exploration, effort, skills, initiative, curiosity, creativity, and play**  
**Observation guidelines**  
| # | Parent... | Absent | Barely | Clearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | explains reasons for something to child | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | suggests activities to extend what child is doing | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 3 | waits for child's response after making a suggestion | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 4 | encourages child to handle toys | 0 | 1 | 2 |