Mother and child temperament as interacting correlates of parenting sense of competence in toddlerhood

Abstract

AbstractWe examined mother and child temperament as correlates of mothers' perceptions of the parenting role and considered whether mother and child traits combine to relate to parenting beliefs. Participants were 107 mothers of 21‐ to 27‐month‐old toddlers (53 males). Mothers reported their own and their toddlers' temperament and their own parenting sense of competence. Consistent with past work, both maternal and child traits were independently associated with parenting sense of competence. Mother and child negative emotionality were associated with less parenting sense of competence, and child sociability was associated with more parenting sense of competence. Relations between child activity level and parenting beliefs were mixed, with child activity level associated with less efficacy, but more interest, in parenting. Some of the relations between child temperament and maternal parenting beliefs also varied depending on mothers' temperament. Child low negative emotionality and high sociability were associated with more parenting sense of competence only when mothers also shared these traits. Child shyness was associated with more parenting sense of competence only among mothers who were more sociable. Findings underscore the importance of considering parenting beliefs in the context of both mother and child temperament traits.Highlights We examined child and maternal traits in relation to parenting efficacy, satisfaction, and interest in mothers of toddlers. Child negativity, activity, sociability, and shyness were related to mothers' parenting beliefs, and some of these associations varied depending on mothers' temperament. Research that considers both mother and child traits in relation to parenting self‐perceptions may ultimately inform interventions to promote positive parenting beliefs and optimal child development.