Introduction: Though widely utilized, harsh parenting may have a negative impact on behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and health outcomes for children. This study explored associations between maternal mindful parenting (i.e., mindful discipline, being in the moment with the child), maternal parental stress, and harsh parenting (i.e., physical and psychological harsh parenting) in young children in the state of New Mexico, USA. This study will explore cultural and familial contexts in relation to parenting practices, as well as interventions. Objectives: Attendees will understand the developmental and relational effects of parenting stress and harsh parenting practices. Attendees will reflect upon potential strategies for reducing parental stress and facilitating mindful parenting practices when working with infants and young children and families. Results: Results demonstrated that being mindful in the moment with the child was directly, negatively associated with physical harsh parenting and also negatively associated with perceived stress. Mindful discipline was directly, negatively associated with both psychological aggression and perceived stress. This study illustrates that “being in the moment” and “mindful discipline” may have distinctive benefits as targeted interventions to lower rates of harsh parenting while also potentially lowering parental stress. Implications for early childhood occupational therapy providers will be discussed, including cultural considerations for parenting practice and intervention design. Differences in outcomes across race and ethnicity will also be discussed. Sociocultural factors, such as poverty and housing security, will also be considered. Conclusion: Occupational therapy providers play a unique role in supporting parents and children through co-occupations, anticipatory developmental guidance and supporting attachment. Mindfulness parenting practices may prove as a useful strategy for prevention and intervention of harsh parenting practices and developmental outcomes.