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This paper explores the methodology of an ecological investigation of aspects of culture in the interactional construction of early childhood in diverse global communities: Peru, Italy, Canada, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Regarding culture as a dynamic dimension of the child's socialisation, the approach taken was to film a 'day in the life' of a two-and-a-half-year-old girl in each location. The principal investigators viewed these five 'days' and selected clips were made into a compilation tape, to be interrogated and interpreted by the local investigators and the child's family. These latter reflections were also taped and then applied to a growing appreciation of the child in cultural context. Other inter-researcher techniques were used to elucidate and explore events and values further. Reflexive concerns as to the interplay between aims and methods in interpretive research are critical components of this endeavour to develop new cultural understandings of the girls in context.

We explored a range of familial supports in the development of “strong” young children. We videotaped one full day in the life of each of five 30-month-old girls in Thailand, Canada, Peru, Italy, and the United Kingdom. A social-interactional conceptual framework guided our interpretive methodology. The diverse cultural tools brought to bear by both the child and her caregivers that appeared to enhance robust responses to the vicissitudes of everyday life are illustrated and analyzed as developing foundations of thriving. Toddlers and their caregivers enlisted soothing resources that exemplify microsystemic support that promoted the autonomy and social maturity valued by the families. Such factors appear to be associated with developing psychosocial well-being and resilience.

We explored a range of familial supports in the development of “strong” young children. We videotaped one full day in the life of each of five 30-month-old girls in Thailand, Canada, Peru, Italy, and the United Kingdom. A social-interactional conceptual framework guided our interpretive methodology. The diverse cultural tools brought to bear by both the child and her caregivers that appeared to enhance robust responses to the vicissitudes of everyday life are illustrated and analyzed as developing foundations of thriving. Toddlers and their caregivers enlisted soothing resources that exemplify microsystemic support that promoted the autonomy and social maturity valued by the families. Such factors appear to be associated with developing psychosocial well-being and resilience.