This paper describes the Family Development Project which is aimed at developing a systematic model of parenting support for new families and evaluating its effects on family development. The project focuses on Parenting Groups consisting of 6 to 10 couples who meet together as soon after delivery as possible, weekly for 6 weeks, and monthly for 4 more sessions, to discuss topics of interest and share experiences. Topics covered in parenting group sessions include initial adjustment to the baby, infant development, baby care, and husband and wife relationship after the baby. Meetings often feature films or guest speakers. Extensive questionnaire data collected for 26 couples who have been in the Parenting Groups will be contrasted with data for a comparison group of 33 motivated couples with similar backgrounds. The questionnaires measure changes in parents' moods, sense of well-being, feelings of competence, attitudes toward child rearing, perception of the baby, and couples' marital satisfaction and sharing. The basic goals and assumptions of the Family Development Project are elaborated. (JMB)