Home-Based Parent Involvement, Parental Warmth, and Kindergarten Outcomes Among Children of Immigrant Parents

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research Findings: Immigrant families who represent a growing share of the early schooling population face unique challenges related to involvement in their children’s education. This study examined whether and to what extent home-based parent involvement and parental warmth are associated with the socio-emotional and academic outcomes of children of immigrant mothers during the kindergarten year – a critical and sensitive period for later school success. The study sample included 9,187 children from the base year of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010–11. Among the major findings, the study revealed that Hispanic and Asian immigrant parents, on average, were less frequently involved in home-based activities and reported less warmth than U.S.-born parents. Additionally, greater frequency of home-based parent involvement was associated with better interpersonal skills for both children of Hispanic immigrant mothers and children of Asian immigrant mothers, but home-based involvement was also positively associated with reading and math scores for children of Asian immigrant mothers. Moreover, the association between home-based involvement and socio-emotional outcomes was manifested broadly among poor children of immigrant mothers. Practice or Policy: The findings highlight the importance of understanding cultural differences in parent involvement and parenting styles to enhance immigrant children’s educational experiences.