Benefits For Parents Research Articles

Unlocking the Potential of Nigerian Schools through Effective Parental Involvement

Education is a cornerstone of societal progress and individual achievement, necessitating the active engagement of various stakeholders, particularly parents. This study explores the role of parental involvement in enhancing the effectiveness of school administration in Nigeria with particular focus on Lagos District IV, Nigeria. This study employs a descriptive survey design, focusing on secondary schools in Lagos District IV, including Surulere, Mainland, and Apapa. Data were collected from 132 participants—students, teachers, school administrators, and parents—through structured questionnaires. The study investigates how parental ties affect academic performance, school discipline, and overall management effectiveness. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, revealing significant relationships between parental involvement and student outcomes, discipline, and school administration. The findings indicate that robust parental involvement positively influences student academic performance and school management. Schools that foster strong parental partnerships benefit from enhanced governance and improved student behavior. However, barriers such as socioeconomic challenges and communication gaps persist, underscoring the need for more inclusive engagement strategies. Recommendations include implementing structured parental engagement programs, enhancing government support, and addressing language and cultural barriers. In conclusion, this study highlights the transformative potential of parental involvement in Nigerian schools. Effective school administration and improved student outcomes are closely linked to active parental participation. Addressing existing barriers and fostering collaborative school environments are essential for maximizing the benefits of parental engagement.

Development method in a large-scale public sector IT programme

The Norwegian parental benefit programme started as a large-scale information technology operation to automate and provide self-service solutions for parental benefit applications. This benefit replaces lost salaries for about 100,000 parents every year while parents are home with new-born children. A previous programme to modernize IT solutions was stopped. The new programme replacing legacy solutions from the 1970s was seen as a large, complicated, and risky undertaking with a cost limit of USD 130 million. Initially, this programme had three main releases based on an internal development method combining project management and agile methods. During the second release, the programme experienced challenges with coordinating work across the business and development projects. The programme manager established a task force to propose changes in the development method for the last release. We then ask the question: If you were part of this task force, what should the programme manager do to remedy the coordination challenges for the last release? This teaching case is based on a longitudinal case study and is relevant for graduate or continuing education courses in information systems development or IT project management during which students learn how to organize efficient software development at scale.

Group-based versus individual parenting programs: A meta-analysis of effects on parents.

Parenting programs aim to motivate change in parents' behaviors, perceptions, and knowledge to promote desirable changes in children's adjustment and behavior. Parenting programs are typically delivered in a group-based or individual format, and it is unknown which format most effectively supports parents. On the one hand, group-based programs may be more effective since they provide access to peer-based support. On the other hand, individual programs may be more successful since they offer a tailored approach. Therefore, this meta-analysis investigated which delivery format is most effective in optimizing child behavior management (i.e., positive reinforcement and nonviolent discipline), parenting stress, and parental depressive symptoms. Studies were selected from the systematic review by Backhaus et al. (2023). Our sample included evaluations of 121 group-based and 41 individual programs based on social learning theory principles. Robust variance estimation indicated that parents' child behavior management and parenting stress improved in both delivery formats. In contrast, parental depressive symptoms improved only in group-based programs. Our findings suggest that whether parents benefit more from a group-based or individual program in part depends on the outcome examined. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to understand parents' goals to effectively guide them toward the most appropriate parenting program delivery format. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of Mozart–Orff parent–child music therapy among mothers and their preschool children with autism spectrum disorder: A mixed-methods randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) negatively impacts mental health, particularly in mothers of autistic children who experience heightened stress. Applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and music therapy are recognised interventions for improving ASD symptoms. However, the specific benefits of parent–child music therapy and ABA for autistic children and their mothers remain uncertain. This study evaluated the effects of parent–child music therapy on preschool autistic children and their mothers.MethodA randomised controlled trial was conducted with 100 mother–child pairs assigned to either the control group receiving ABA or the intervention group receiving both music therapy and ABA. Qualitative interviews were conducted post-intervention for 12 mothers.ResultsChildren in the intervention group exhibited lower scores for ASD symptoms than those in the control group. Moreover, mothers in the intervention group demonstrated reduced dysfunctional parent–child interaction, lower overall parental stress, significantly improved family functioning, and increased levels of hope compared with those in the control group. Mothers held positive views regarding music therapy.ConclusionsCombining ABA with parent–child music therapy can alleviate ASD symptoms in children and reduce stress in mothers. Improved parent–child interaction and enhanced family functioning further support the benefits of this combined approach. Parent–child music therapy, combined with ABA demonstrated positive outcomes for autistic children, including reduced ASD symptoms, improved parent–child interaction, decreased parental stress, enhanced family functioning, and increased hope. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating music therapy as a valuable component in the comprehensive treatment of ASD.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial registry (05/07/2021, ChiCTR2100048261, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=128957). Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of Fujian Medical University and the study hospital (Fujian Provincial Maternity and Child Health Hospital; 2017 − 105), and informed consent was obtained from all subjects and/or their legal guardian(s).

The effect of parental pain, disability benefits and education on risk of long-term sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders and the modifying effect of sleep and physical activity: the HUNT study

BackgroundFamily factors, sleep, and physical activity have previously been associated with risk of sick leave and disability benefits due to musculoskeletal disorders. However, how these factors act during adolescence and young adulthood is unclear. The aim of this study was to (i) examine if chronic pain, disability benefits and education in parents influence the risk of long-term sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders in young adulthood, and (ii) to explore if offspring sleep problems and physical activity modify these effects.MethodsA population-based prospective study of 18,552 adolescents and young adults (≤ 30 years) in the Norwegian HUNT Study. Survey data was linked to national registry data on sick leave, disability benefits, family relations and educational attainment. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for long-term (≥ 31 days) sick leave due to a musculoskeletal disorder in offspring associated with parental factors and the joint effect of parental factors and offspring lifestyle factors.ResultsParental chronic pain (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.27–1.45), disability benefits (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.33–1.48) and low educational attainment (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.67–1.90) increased the risk of long-term sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders among offspring. There was no strong evidence that sleep and physical activity modified these effects.ConclusionChronic pain, disability benefit and low education in parents increased the risk of long-term sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders among offspring, but these effects were not modified by offspring sleep problems or physical activity level. The findings suggest that efforts beyond individual lifestyle factors might be important as preventive measures.

Brooding duration does not depend on cat predation risk but is related to weather and phenology in the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans).

Parental investment increases offspring fitness at the expense of the parent's ability to invest in other offspring. In many animal species, parents guard their offspring after birth. The parental decision over the duration of this period is expected to be triggered by the associated fitness costs and benefits for both offspring and parents. Here, we evaluated the relevance of several intrinsic and environmental variables in determining brooding period duration in the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) and questioned whether brooding duration was related to chick subsequent survival and biometry prior to fledging. We used a semi-experimental design to increase the variance in cat abundance, a recent predator of albatross chicks, and predicted that an increased predation risk at the nest scale would trigger longer chick brooding and thus, protection. In addition, we questioned the influence of weather conditions, hatching date, and characteristics of chicks (sex and biometry) and parents (sex and age) on brooding duration. We report no effect of predation risk or parental characteristics on brooding duration. However, the probability for a parent to end brooding decreased with forthcoming unfavorable weather. Our data also revealed reduced brooding duration for late-hatched chicks and a positive association between brooding duration and chick structural size, and between the frequency of shifts between parents and chick structural size. Finally, brooding duration was not associated with chick survival or with chick biometry prior to fledging. We discuss these results in light of pre-existing hypotheses on fitness costs and benefits associated with brooding duration for chicks and parents.

Continuous Support from the Same Public Health Nurse and Parental Perception and Use of Health Care Services: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Continuity is considered essential for high-quality maternal and child health care services, but studies to show this effect on parental well-being are still rare. We studied whether receiving support from the same public health nurse has a beneficial effect on parental perceptions of health care professionals and the use of childcare support services. Maternal and child health care services were provided by different nurses in a Japanese municipality until March 2019. From April 2019, all families with infants received continuous support from the same assigned nurse. A questionnaire covering parental perception and the use of services was sent by postal mail to 1,341 families with infants. The data were analyzed using χ2-test, t-test and logistic regression producing odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Parental perceptions of the availability of professionals to discuss children's issues, the degree of understanding about available other childcare support services, the degree of utilizing other services, and satisfaction with health care services were higher in parents who received continuous support from the same assigned nurse compared to those who did not receive continuous support. Continuous support was associated with parental perceptions of the availability of professionals to discuss children's issues (OR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.34-2.91) and the degree of understanding about available other child-care support services (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.11-2.44) after adjusting the results for socioeconomic factors. Continuous support from the same assigned nurse has benefits for parents. This offers a cost-effective way to improve parental well-being.

Non-binary patients in ART: new challenges and considerations.

To discuss the increasing visibility of non-binary individuals and inclusive policies and practices in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Comparison between traditional ART approach designed for binary genders and propose approach in non-binary individuals. Traditional ART services, designed for binary genders, must adapt to address the unique fertility needs of non-binary patients. This includes using gender-neutral language, providing comprehensive fertility assessments, and offering hormone therapy and fertility preservation options. Children of non-binary parents benefit from open communication about gender diversity, enhancing psychological well-being. Positive societal attitudes and inclusive environments in schools are crucial for preventing discrimination and promoting mental health. A systemic approach is required to make ART inclusive. This involves training staff, adjusting facilities, updating documentation, and advocating for supportive legislation. Addressing the reproductive needs of non-binary individuals ensures equitable access to care and supports their family-building goals. Ensuring the well-being of children in non-binary families requires psychological support, inclusive healthcare, legal recognition, social support, and comprehensive education.

Evaluating parent and public involvement activities within a paediatric palliative care research centre: Route map to impactful and meaningful engagement

Background: Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is an important component of healthcare research. Conducting PPI within paediatric palliative care research requires specific ethical and practical considerations. Regular reviews of PPI activity are important. Aim: To evaluate a paediatric palliative care research centre’s PPI activity to determine what went well, or less well; and how future activities can be improved. Design: Two stage evaluation: first a review of PPI study logs; second a qualitative exploration using a survey, structured interviews and a focus group. Data were analysed thematically. Settings/participants: Parents of children with life-limiting conditions, bereaved parents and researchers, all engaged in PPI activity within a paediatric palliative care research centre. Findings: The review of PPI logs for 15 studies highlighted the crucial role of funding in enabling PPI throughout the research. Eight parents completed the survey, 4 parents were interviewed and 12 researchers participated in a focus group. Three themes were developed: Clarity of processes and purpose; balanced relationships created a safe space; and mutual respect and value for PPI. These themes highlight what is working well within the Centre’s approach to PPI and the opportunities to improve. Conclusions: To undertake meaningful PPI in paediatric palliative care research, adequate time and resources are required. Roles, processes and expectations must be explicitly agreed. Establishing relationships ensures trust and enables authenticity and vulnerability. In addition to improving research, PPI has personal benefits for researchers and parents. The evaluation led to the development of a ‘route map’ for establishing an impactful PPI group for paediatric palliative care research.

Parents’ learning in family literacy: a mixed-methods evaluation

In the USA, comprehensive family literacy programs integrate adult education and parent education, interactive parent-child literacy activities, and early childhood education or school for children. Although parents’ learning is central to family literacy, research overwhelmingly focuses on children’s outcomes or positions parents as conduits of children’s learning. Thus, we know little about changes in parents’ language and literacy capabilities, self-concepts, social support systems, or other benefits. This study reports findings from a multi-year, mixed-methods evaluation of five family literacy programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Participants were primarily immigrant mothers. Qualitative data, along with statistically significant quantitative data from a pre-post survey (n = 139), demonstrate learning in four domains: educational, personal, social, and parenting. Specifically, parents developed literacy and language skills; enjoyed reading more and spent more time reading alone and with children; were more involved in everyday literacy practices; increased their self-confidence and self-esteem; provided support for each other, developed friendships, and built a sense of community; and increased support for and involvement in their children’s development, literacy, and education. These results build on prior research on parental outcomes and illustrate the value of using multi-faceted, holistic measures to examine how parents benefit from family literacy.

An evaluation of intervention appropriateness from the perspective of parents: A peer-mediated, play-based intervention for children with ADHD.

A peer-mediated, play-based intervention has been developed to address social participation challenges experienced by children with ADHD. To facilitate implementation into clinical practice, interventions should be evaluated for appropriateness to the end-user, as well as effectiveness. Previous research demonstrated the approach is effective for improving children's social play skills. This study aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of the intervention for children with ADHD and their families. Parents of children with ADHD who participated in the play-based intervention were interviewed 1 month after completion. Parents were asked about their perspective of parent and children's experiences of the intervention, the perceived benefits for children and parents, the logistics of participating, and recommended adaptations to the intervention. Interviews were analysed thematically, and themes were mapped to the elements of the adopted definition of appropriateness to understand whether parents supported the appropriateness of the intervention for their families. Consumers were not directly involved in the decisions made about this study. One core theme, 'collaborative efforts', emerged from the data. Major themes comprising the core theme were 'on the same page', 'therapeutic relationship', and 'getting the job done'. Three sub-themes of 'engagement and motivation', 'the effort was worth it for the reward', and 'Rome wasn't built in a day' were nested within the major themes. Parents largely supported the appropriateness of the intervention, indicating it addressed an important goal for their child, participation was a positive experience, and they perceived the intervention to be beneficial. Future adaptions of the intervention are needed to increase its ecological validity and to generalise the strategies to other social environments and playmates, such as peers at school. This study looked at an intervention that uses play with peers to help children with ADHD develop their play skills. The researchers wanted to know if parents thought the intervention was a good fit for their families and if it helped their children. Parents gave an interview a month after the intervention ended. They were asked about their thoughts on the intervention, how it helped their children and themselves, how easy it was to take part, and what changes could be made to make the intervention better. After analysing parents' answers, the researchers found parents mostly agreed that the intervention was a good fit. They said it helped their children to play with their peers, and they had a good time doing it. Parents thought the intervention was helpful, they liked that it was a joint effort between them and the occupational therapist, and they felt it was worth the effort. However, they also suggested some changes. They wanted the intervention to fit into other real-life social situations, such as school, so their children could use the skills they learned in other places. Overall, parents thought the intervention was helpful and suitable for their children and themselves, but some changes might make it more helpful.

Family structure and policy contexts: implications for tertiary education attainment in 25 European countries

Abstract This study examines how institutional contexts in 25 European countries moderate the association between family structure and tertiary education attainment. Previous research has proposed the resource deprivation perspective to explain lower educational outcomes among children from disrupted families, suggesting that policies addressing resource deprivation could mitigate these negative consequences. However, limited attention has been given to the role of policy contexts in shaping the educational outcomes of youth from disrupted families. This study focuses on two types of policies: the generosity of social benefits to single parents and financial support for students in tertiary education. Using data from the EU-SILC and employing multilevel regression models, the findings indicate that generous financial support for students reduces the tertiary education attainment gap between youth from separated and two-parent families. However, this effect is observed only among low-socioeconomic status (SES) and moderate-SES families. In contrast, the generosity of social benefits does not appear to moderate the association between family structure and tertiary education attainment, even when examining low-SES families or specifically considering benefits for low-earning single parents. Furthermore, the influence of these analysed policies is limited among young people from widowed families.

Identifying a typology of helpful post‐divorce family assets: Implications for divorce education

AbstractDivorce education programs seek to provide parents with information about various aspects of the divorce process, its consequences, and strategies for successful adjustment. Within those broad content areas, however, there are myriad of potential promotive‐, protective‐, and risk‐factors that programs could address. Thus, divorce education programs could benefit from further guidance about the content areas divorcing parents may find the most helpful. In the present study we aimed to describe what divorced parents felt had helped their families throughout the divorce process. We did so to promote further alignment between divorce education program content and what parents have found helpful. Specifically, we identified a typology of helpful post‐divorce family assets. Our findings suggest that though a plurality of divorcing parents benefit from a wide range of legal/professional, former spouse, and personal assets, the majority rely predominately upon their own parenting skills and resources, or perceive few beneficial assets to draw on. We contend divorce educators should consider incorporating further information on developing personal parenting skills or resources, and skillfully navigating legal or therapeutic systems, to further complement existing curricula.

Assessment of Waste Management Awareness and Practices among Par-ents: A Sequential Explanatory Study

This study explores parents’ awareness and practices on solid waste management. It shows the significance of solid waste segregation for parental involvement and how it influences parents' attitudes and behaviors in a barangay in Magalang, Pampanga. The parents benefit from this study by learning more about the practices and appropriate segregation within their community. In this study, which involved 100 parents, a mixed-method sequential explanatory technique was employed. The results indicate that parents are not aware of the relevant laws about solid waste management and the sources of information about it. In terms of practices, parents are productive at disposing of, reducing, and recycling solid waste, but they don't reuse and segregate the solid waste that much. Overall, the results highlight how crucial proper waste sorting, awareness-building, community involvement, resourcefulness, and sustainability are to improve waste management. Although there are challenges, such as a lack of awareness and inconsistent efforts, recycling and waste removal are mentioned as sources of satisfaction. Parents also emphasize the need for proper segregation, solid waste management regulations, and providing incentives to promote sustainable behaviors in the barangay.

Exploring Parents’ Everyday Experiences With Digital Media: Barriers and Opportunities for Digital Inclusion

This article presents qualitative research findings on parents’ digital media practices. Through 32 in-depth interviews with parents of 0–6-year-olds in French-speaking Belgium, the study addresses digital inclusion by exploring the diverse ways parents experience and benefit (or not) from digital media. Our research uncovers the dual nature of digital media use in parenting, presenting both advantageous and problematic outcomes across four dialectical dimensions. Our work sheds light on how digital media can (a) offer informational support or constitute an informational challenge, (b) provide emotional assistance or cause emotional struggles, (c) grant access to social support or contribute to social pressures, and (d) serve as a tool for the daily organisation or complicate daily life. Our article also investigates the factors associated with either positive or negative outcomes. We show the role of personal, situational, social, and normative factors. To conclude, we identify strategies for childcare and parenting support professionals to promote digital inclusion among parents by addressing barriers to positive experiences and outcomes related to the use of digital media. By integrating the outcomes of parents’ experiences with digital media into discussions of digital inclusion, this article contributes to a comprehensive approach to promoting digital equity beyond questions of access and skills. It calls for user-centric strategies that consider the diverse experiences and concrete outcomes associated with digital media use and emphasises the importance of supporting parents and families regarding these tools.

FREQUENCY OF CHILD TRAFFICKING AND FORCED LABOUR: INVESTIGATING THE PREDISPOSING FACTOR IN CHILDREN’S EDUCATION

The study determined the frequency at which children trafficking and child forced labour activities are being practiced in Osun State, and examined the vulnerability of children trafficked and exposed to forced labour in the study area. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Primary data (quantitative and qualitative) involving the use of questionnaire and in-depth interview guide are sourced. In-depth interview was held with 10 senior members of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development (MWACD), Director General, Deputy/Assistant Director General and Confidential Secretary of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP) and One Divisional Police Officer (DPO). For the quantitative data, 240 copies of semi-structured questionnaire were administered to respondents selected through convenience sampling, from 12 locations in the three senatorial districts. Three instruments were used for the study; namely Forced labour Activities Checklist (CLAC) Osun State Child Trafficking and Labour Control Regulation Questionnaire (CLCRQ) for vulnerability indicators and Detection Strata Interview Guide (DS-IG). The data collected were analysed using appropriate inferential and descriptive analysis. Findings on the frequency at which child trafficking and child forced labour activities are being practiced in Osun State revealed that The Child Acts Law has a stake in ensuring that the menace is reduced. Also, the Osun State government is making effort to bring about a drastic reduction to the issues such as awareness and time-to-time sensitization. Results on the factors predisposing children into vulnerability Osun State revealed that factors such as poverty (x ̅ =1.30), poor parenting (x ̅ =1.32), ignorance / illiteracy (x ̅ =1.35), and parental economic benefits from the act (x ̅ =1.59) frequently predispose children into vulnerability of child trafficking and forced labour in Osun State. The study concluded that child trafficking and forced labour are prevalent and frequent practices in Osun State.Keywords: Child; Trafficking; Forced Labour; Predisposing; Pre-School

Illness cognition and associated socio-demographic and clinical factors in parents of children with leukemia

PurposeIllness cognition is an important mediator between psychological and behavioral adjustment and the quality of life for patients and their caregivers. Evidence related to illness cognition among parents of children with leukemia is limited. The purpose of this study is to explore the illness cognition status and associated factors in parents of children with leukemia.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with the parents of 335 children with leukemia from three general children’s hospitals in China from January to December 2022. A parents’ version of the illness cognition questionnaire was used to collect data. This included three subscales: helplessness, acceptance, and perceived benefits.ResultsThe mean scores of helplessness, acceptance and perceived benefits of parents regarding their children’s disease were 15.56 (4.60), 16.25 (4.41), and 19.96 (3.69) respectively. The multiple regression model indicated seven factors associated with the parents’ illness cognition (adjusted R [2] ranged from 0.182 to 0.134): four socio-demographic factors (parent’s age, role, education level, and family income) and three clinical factors (length of time spent each day caring for the child, the child’s age at diagnosis, and the duration of the disease).ConclusionThis study reports on different levels of illness cognition and associated factors among parents of children with leukemia. The results may help pediatric oncology medical staff identify risk factors for poor psychological adjustment to children’s diseases. Parents may benefit from psychological support aimed at improving positive illness cognition.

La téléconsultation, une modalité prometteuse pour les programmes psychoéducatifs destinés aux parents d’enfants ayant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme

The disclosure to parents of a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for a child has an impact on their mental health and well-being. Programs have been established to support them. One of these programs, “Beyond ASD, parenting skills within my reach!”, created in Quebec, has been tested and validated on Quebec and French populations. So far, the evaluation of the effects of the program on a Canadian population showed interesting results regarding knowledge about ASD, parents’ use of strategies, locus of control, and parental stress, but these variations and positive changes were also observed in a control group with access to another form of intervention. The preliminary results for a French population indicated that parents appeared to be significantly less stressed, and they improved certain areas of their quality of life. These results showed the need to offer support to parents after they were given a diagnosis of autism for their child as a post-diagnosis proposal. Nevertheless, parents are often overwhelmed after their child's diagnosis, because of the accumulation of work, school and specific interventions for their child. French parents also experience difficulties due to transportation problems in the Île-de-France region. The COVID-19 sanitary restrictions only served to heighten these difficulties. Therefore, professional mental healthcare providers aimed to pursue offering a program to parents following the diagnosis of their child in spite of these constraints. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of teleconsultation for healthcare treatments. The objectives of the present study were to quantitatively assess parental satisfaction and their perception of change in their parenting skills after they participated in the program delivered through teleconsultation, and how they qualitatively expressed themselves about the advantages and limits of the teleconsultation modality. We also sought to be able to determine to which type of parents this program could be recommended, the expected benefits for parents in terms of shared experience, learning and exchanges, and finally to evaluate the program itself as a post-diagnosis proposal. The study involved fourteen parents of children with ASD: eleven French and three French Canadians. The quantitative results showed an average satisfaction of 95.36% and an acceptability of 89.46% of the total score; the qualitative results indicated the satisfaction of parents who participated in the teleconsultation program in France and Quebec. They are consistent with the results obtained in face-to-face sessions. The results show the benefits for parents who used the teleconsultation program, while allowing a greater number of people to participate. This preliminary study of the feasibility and acceptability of the teleconsultation modality for parents of children with ASD makes it possible to consider a validation of this new modality. The quantitative and qualitative data demonstrated that parents reported acquiring new skills at a crucial period for them when they felt the increased needs and challenges in their perceived competencies to deal with self-efficacy and stress compared to other parents. The results confirmed parental interest in psychoeducational programs after their child had been given an ASD diagnosis. They were satisfied with the relationship they had with the professionals and other parents in the teleconsultation program. The results also indicated they felt respected and understood. The use of teleconsultation didn’t seem to interfere with these feelings and helped them during a difficult personal time. The limits of the present study include a possible social bias, a limited number of subjects, and a possible inequality in the participants’ ability to use digital media. Whereas diagnosis and parental intervention represent a societal stake, we need to adapt programs involving new modalities in order to reach the largest number of parents possible, and we need to remain mindful to follow recommendations and parental feedback regarding the necessity of maintaining informal time to encourage exchanges between parents. New challenges seem to be raised and considered for future implementation.

Pets and Prams: Exploring Perceptions of Companion Animals in Relation to Maternal Wellbeing

ABSTRACT Perinatal wellbeing is a critical area of mental health to address for the benefit of parents, infants, pets, and health services. Animals, and specifically pets, have been investigated as potential wellbeing supports in clinical and non-clinical populations, yet there has been limited exploration of their role in the perinatal period. To address this gap, this study aimed to examine the perceived risks and benefits of pet ownership on perinatal mental health through qualitative reports of lived experience from mothers with pets. An online survey with open-text questions was developed; thematic analysis was applied to data from 31 eligible UK participants. The analysis identified five themes: (1) promoting wellbeing and grounding in a time of change, (2) pets as preparation for parenting, (3) caregiver burden, (4) joy and challenges of pet–baby interactions, and (5) perceptions of changing pet behavior in the perinatal period. This study indicates that accessing emotional support from pets, second-hand joy from the pet–baby bond, and having “parenting practice” are perceived wellbeing benefits from pets. Further, parents expressed that increasing social support for pet and childcare, creating boundaries for pet–baby interactions, and managing perinatal expectations could help minimize risks identified by participants, including caregiver burden and pet-based distress and anxiety. These insights may allow practitioners supporting pet-owning new parents to begin exploring new ways for families to manage pets in the perinatal period in a way that enhances wellbeing for everyone involved, including pets.

‘The family administrator’: women take most responsibility for information-seeking, planning and administration of parental benefit in Sweden

ABSTRACT This paper investigates parents’ information-seeking about parental leave. It examines gendered patterns in parents’ contacts with the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (SSIA) over telephone, email, and on Facebook with a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis. We show that women not only contact the SSIA more than men do, they also to a larger extent approach the SSIA early on – a practice that may facilitate strategic planning – as well as administer their partner’s leave. By such means, the paper sheds light on women’s role as ‘administrator’ in taking more responsibility for both their own and their partner’s parental leave. These findings are in line with previous research showing that women often act as the ‘project leader’ of the family, taking responsibility for unpaid (and often unrecognized) tasks that make everyday life run smoothly. In shedding light on women’s considerable administrative responsibility for parental leave, the study thus brings new knowledge on what might be one piece of the puzzle of the slow progression of gender equality in this area, pointing to informational and administrative services as a potential arena for gender equality-promoting work.