Differences In Parental Satisfaction Research Articles

Let them play: A prospective study of postoperative activity restrictions in children

BackgroundWe aim to compare time to resume full activity, postoperative outcomes, and describe family preferences of self-directed activity restrictions (SDAR) and physician-directed activity restrictions (PDAR) following routine pediatric surgeries. MethodsWe conducted a single institution, clinical trial (NCT04145895) from January 2020 to February 2022. Patients who presented for a routine inguinal hernia repair (ages 2-13) or laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis (aged ≤ 18) were eligible for participation. Participants chose to enroll in either the control (PDAR) or experimental (SDAR) groups. Control patients were instructed to restrict full activities for two weeks. For SDAR, patients were instructed to return to full activity when the patient and family felt comfortable doing so. Postoperatively, participants were asked to complete a survey to assess time to resume full activity, surgical complications, and patient and caregiver satisfaction. Results20 (24.4%) enrolled in PDAR and 62 patients (75.6%) enrolled in SDAR. The majority of patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy (78%). Of patients who completed the postoperative survey, the average time to resume full activity was 11.91 days for PDAR and 9.51 days for SDAR (p = 0.328). There was no difference in parent satisfaction or postoperative complications (p >0.999). ConclusionsThe time to resume full activity was two days sooner for SDAR without compromising post-operative outcomes. There are psychosocial benefits to children resuming normal activities, and SDAR may lessen a family's societal burden. Therefore, we propose that SDAR appears safe and should be utilized for routine surgery.

How Do We Live Together During a Lockdown in Belgium? Study of Couple and Parental Satisfaction

In March 2020, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. To reduce the risk of infection, Belgian government ordered restrictive isolation measures. If lockdown and social isolation have proven to be quite effective in terms of physical health, little is known about the impact of the lockdown on couple and parental satisfaction. The current study concerned the first wave of a 5-wave longitudinal research programme relative to the trajectory of couple and parental satisfaction around the lockdown (N = 779 individuals) on 3 cohorts based on the government announcements (i.e. beginning of the lockdown and subsequent extended lockdowns). The objective was to compare the level of couple and parental satisfaction during the strict first lockdown in Belgium with normative values, considering any gender, parenting, and cohabitation differences. Participants were invited to complete four scales of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory Revised, i.e. Global Distress, Difficulties in Problem-solving Communication, Aggression, and Conflicts over Children Rearing. Two main findings emerged from the study. First, our results showed more couple satisfaction during the lockdown, in comparison to normative situations. During the lockdown, partners expressed more general couple satisfaction. They also felt more effective in resolving couple conflicts and in problem-solving communication and they experienced less couple physical and verbal aggression. Second, higher levels of conflicts over children rearing between partners during the lockdown were observed, in comparison to normative situations. However, major gender differences were observed: While mothers assessed more parental conflicts during the lockdown in comparison to normative situations, fathers reported less conflicts. Finally, our results showed gender differences in parental satisfaction between the three cohorts: Mothers expressed more parental conflicts over children rearing after the first extension of the lockdown in comparison to the beginning of the lockdown while no differences were observed in fathers. The discussion highlighted the positive aspects of lockdown for couples and the gender differences relative to the satisfaction over children rearing.

The Effects of Child Support Payment Factors on Satisfaction With Levels of Parental Involvement by Noncustodial Fathers

Purpose: Research on the influences of child support on the parental involvement of non-custodial father is mixed. Method: This study uses one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to examine non-custodial fathers’ satisfaction with levels of accessibility to his child, degree of engagement in daily activities, level of responsibility for child’s wellbeing and custodial parents parenting practices. These variables were measured against child support payment related behaviors to include income levels, monthly child support obligation, view of fairness of payment, maintaining a current status, and the number of additional child support cases. Results: Results indicated significant mean differences in the combined parental satisfaction variable and specifically within custodial parent parenting practices. Mean differences in parental satisfaction with reference to degree of responsibility for the child were also effected by monthly child support payment amounts. No significance differences in parental satisfaction were found regarding fairness of child support payment amount or having multiple child support cases. However, small differences were noted concerning payment status of current or behind. Discussion: Implications for future study of fatherless families are explored.

Parental satisfaction with early childhood education services in rural China: A national survey

This study aims to explore parental satisfaction with early childhood education service in rural China. Altogether 13,131 Chinese parents who were randomly sampled from the 12 rural areas of China completed the Parent Satisfaction with Education Experiences Scale. The results indicated that: (1) Chinese parental satisfaction with the teacher contact experience had the highest mean scores, whereas their satisfaction with school contact experience had the lowest ones; (2) there were no significant urban-rural differences in parental satisfaction; (3) there were two latent classes of parental satisfaction: the Low Satisfaction Parents were the poor-educated low-class families in central China and were born in the 1990s; the High Satisfaction Parents were the 1970s cohort from the moderately-educated high-income families in eastern China; and (4) there was a significant difference in parental satisfaction between the Eastern, Central, and Western China. These findings have implied that more efforts should be made to promote equity, equality, and social justice in the field of early childhood education.

A randomized clinical trial to arrest dentin caries in young children using silver diamine fluoride

ObjectivesThe study aimed to compare the effectiveness of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution, and 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish applied semiannually in arresting dentin caries in young children with high caries risk. MethodsChildren aged 1−3 years who had at least one active dentin carious lesion were randomly allocated into 2 groups as follows: Group 1 = 38% SDF (Topamine), and Group 2 = 5% NaF varnish (Duraphat). Both agents were applied every 6 months onto the carious surface. Lesion activity was assessed by the visual-tactile examination. Baseline and follow-up examinations were conducted by the same examiner. The children’s demographic background, oral health-related habits, and oral hygiene practices, as well as parental satisfaction with children’s dental appearance were collected at baseline and the 12-month follow-up. ResultsAt baseline, 153 and 149 children were recruited in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. The mean dmfs scores in Groups 1 and 2 were 8.89 and 9.79, respectively. After 12 months, 87.1% remained in the study. The caries arrest rate of Group 1 (35.7%) was significantly higher than that of Group 2 (20.9%) (p < 0.001). The results of the multilevel logistic regression analysis confirmed that the treatment in Group 1 was more effective in arresting dentin carious lesions than that of Group 2 (OR = 2.04; 95% CI, 1.41−2.96). The presence of plaque on caries lesions, tooth type, tooth surface type, frequency of milk feeding, snack taking, and family income influenced on caries activity. Regardless of the intervention groups, there were no differences in parental satisfaction with on the child’s dental appearance before and after receiving the intervention. ConclusionBased on the 12-month results, 38% SDF is more effective than 5% NaF varnish in arresting dentin carious lesions in young children. SDF has no negative impact on parental satisfaction with the child’s dental appearance. Clinical significanceTo control dentin carious lesions in young children with high caries risk, 38% SDF is more effective than 5% NaF varnish.

Postoperative epidural analgesia versus systemic analgesia for thoraco-lumbar spine surgery in children.

Postoperative epidural analgesia versus systemic analgesia for thoraco-lumbar spine surgery in children.

Parental Satisfaction on Multiple Daily Injections, Insulin Pump and Flexible Multiple Daily Injections Used for Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Aims: This study aims to identify differences in parental satisfaction between three distinct types of intensive insulin therapies used for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) namely multiple daily injection (MDI), continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and flexible multiple daily injection (fMDI). Materials and Methods: Data was collected over a 6-month period during the quarterly clinic visits. Two modified versions of validated tools- Insulin Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (ITSQ) and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ), were electronically filled in by the parents of children with T1D. This provided information on parental satisfaction on the following areas: inconvenience of regimen, lifestyle flexibility, impression of glycaemic control, fear of hypoglycaemia, diabetic symptoms, treatment barriers, worry, treatment adherence and communication. Results: 34 parents completed the electronic data forms on iSurvey. Parents of the fMDI group were the most confident to avoid severe hypoglycaemia whereas MDI-parents being the least confident, t (21) = 2.12, p = 0.046. There was no statistical difference noted on how confident parents felt to avoid asymptomatic hypoglycaemia, their worry about nocturnal hypoglycaemia, convenience and ease of using insulin in public places, nor was there statistically significant difference in the pain and discomfort felt by their children. Parents of children with fMDI felt the time their children spent with hyperglycemia was higher than the MDI, t (21) = 2.11, p = 0.047. Parents of the CSII group were most likely to continue their current treatment and were also, most likely to recommend the treatment regimen to others. Parents of MDI were least likely to do so, t (20) = 2.12, p =.047 and t (18) = 2.35, p = 0.031. Conclusion: Although this study was conducted with a very small sample size, it has revealed no significant difference in parental satisfaction among MDI, CSII and fMDI groups including parental anxiety and stress, ease of use in public places, convenience, flexibility, parental perception of pain and discomfort experienced by their children and fear of nocturnal hypoglycaemia. However, parents indicated greater confidence in avoiding severe hypoglycaemia in fMDI albeit there was higher glycaemic variability. Parents with CSII were more satisfied with treatment and more likely to recommend their current treatment option to others, than fMDI and MDI, as the preferred mode of treatment.

Racial differences in parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care unit nursing care.

ObjectiveNurses provide parental support and education in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), but it is unknown if satisfaction and expectations about nursing care differ between racial groups.Study DesignA prospective cohort was constructed of families with a premature infant presenting to primary care between 1/1/10-1/1/13 (N = 249, 52% white, 42% Black). Responses to questions about satisfaction with the NICU were analyzed in ATLAS.ti using standard qualitative methodology.Results120 (48%) parents commented on nursing. 57% of the comments were positive, with black parents more negative (58%) than white parents (33%). Black parents were most dissatisfied with how nurses supported them, wanting compassionate and respectful communication. White parents were most dissatisfied with inconsistent nursing care and lack of education about their child.ConclusionsRacial differences were found in satisfaction and expectations with neonatal nursing care. Accounting for these differences will improve parental engagement during the NICU stay.

Comparison of sevoflurane administered through a face mask versus rectal thiopental sodium in children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging

Objective: Sevoflurane (S) and thiopental sodium (T) are commonly used to produce sedation for routine MRI procedures. However, to date there have been no comparative studies evaluating both techniques. We herein present the firt study comparing S and T techniques for pediatric sedation in MRI procedures.Materials and methods: 21 children, aged from 3 months to 6 years, scheduled for MRI were randomly assigned to either S or T group. Sedation performed under spontaneous respiration was induced with inspired 1-8% S in oxigen by face mask connected to a Mapleson C circuit or T (25 mg/kg) administered in distal rectum by cannula. The observed parameters included: time for induction, MRI time, first movement activity postprocedure and recovery time; MRI pauses from patient movement; technique failure, quality of the study, emergence agitation, critical events; and parental and radiologist satisfaction.Results: S compared with T showed significantly shorter anesthesia induction time (1.93 ± 0.7 versus 13.5 ± 2.6 min), first movement time (3.38 ± 1.2 versus 5.9 ± 2.1 min), recovery time (6.8 ± 1.6 versus 10.14 ± 3.3 min), and discharge MRI time (27.83 ± 5.1 versus 47.5 ± 8.7 min). There were fewer pauses during MRI from patient movement in S versus T (0 versus 3). The radiologists reported good quality and satisfaction scores in both groups. There were less behavioral disturbances in T group compared with S group (1 versus 3). There were no critical events in either group. There were no differences in parental satisfaction in both groups.Conclusions: Sevoflurane shortens the induction and recovery time, enabling earlier discharge. Sevoflurane and rectal thiopental sodium protocols are safe and effective, providing adequate conditions for MRI in pediatric outpatients, although rectal thiopental is more unpredictable.

Sociodemographic differences in parental satisfaction with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis

Background The diagnostic process for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult for families. Growing evidence suggests that the diagnostic process may vary as a function of sociodemographic factors, such as socioeconomic status. The purpose of this study was to extend findings related to families’ experiences obtaining a diagnosis and accessing services for their young child with ASD.Method A mixed methods approach was used in this study, in which 46 families with children with ASD participated. A chi-square analysis compared ratings of parental satisfaction with the diagnostic process and current services between sociodemographic groups, and this was supplemented by thematic analysis of relevant open-ended questions.Results Results indicated that satisfaction ratings varied significantly by maternal education and family income levels. Ratings of satisfaction with the child's paediatrician also differed by family income. Major themes from the open-ended questions are discussed.Conclusions Results support assessing satisfaction and barriers in families seeking healthcare and school-based services to facilitate access to services.

Effects of a Medical Home Program for Children with Special Health Care Needs on Parental Perceptions of Care in an Ethnically Diverse Patient Population

The Pediatric Medical Home Program at UCLA enrolled 41 patients in a primary care model focused on providing intensive care coordination for medically complex, ethnically diverse children with special health care needs (CSHCN) in our Pediatric Resident Continuity clinic. We sought to determine the effect of our program on parental satisfaction, and to compare differences in parental satisfaction between English and Spanish speaking patients. The Medical Home Family Index, developed by the Center for Medical Home Improvement, was administered to a total of 22 participating parents, in the family's primary language by a native speaker, at various times after enrollment in the program. Survey data and language effects were analyzed. The 36 standardized mean scores for the 15 Spanish speaking families were significantly higher (8.5 points higher) than the mean scores from the seven English speaking families (p = 0.003). Although no statistically significant differences were noted in individual questions between Spanish and English speakers, a trend towards more positive responses by Spanish speakers was noted in questions regarding physician-patient communication (p = 0.054) and family-centeredness (p = 0.053). Our results suggest that a primary care model focused on providing intensive care coordination produces positive parental perceptions of the organization and delivery of primary care services in a medically complex population of CSHCN. The main finding of the study is that utilizing the AAP's approach to the medical home model, emphasizing family-centered and culturally competent care, can produce higher satisfaction scores in Spanish speaking parents when compared to English speaking parents.

Comparison of Parent Satisfaction with Care for Childhood Obesity Delivered Face-to-Face and by Telemedicine

Childhood obesity is a serious health concern, especially in rural areas. Its management involves in-depth lifestyle and psychosocial assessment as well as patient-centered counseling. Telemedicine has increased the ability of patients in rural areas to obtain subspecialty consultations. Our objective was to determine whether a significant difference in quality of care, as measured by parent satisfaction, existed between consultations for childhood obesity delivered face to face and by telemedicine. We performed a pilot study in which questionnaires were distributed to parents of children under 12 years of age who had received consultations for childhood obesity at a university-affiliated pediatric weight management clinic, either face to face or by telemedicine. The questionnaires assessed various aspects of quality of care and patient-centered care including consulting providers' listening skills, ease of understanding instructions delivered to patients and their families, and the comfort level of parents in discussing health concerns. A total of 54 surveys were collected (22 telemedicine, 32 face-to-face). Of those, 25 (10 telemedicine, 15 face-to-face) met inclusion criteria. There was no difference in overall parent satisfaction with consultations between the two groups. However, parents rated telemedicine visits slightly lower than face-to-face visits when asked whether the provider explained things about the child's health in a way that was easy to understand (p=0.01). All parents of children who had received care via telemedicine said that they would participate in telemedicine consultations again. In our pilot, there was no significant difference in parent satisfaction between consultations for childhood obesity delivered face to face and by telemedicine. Therefore, preliminary evidence suggests that childhood obesity care delivered by telemedicine can improve access to quality patient-centered care in underserved rural areas. An important limitation is our sample size, which was not large enough to determine whether satisfaction in the telemedicine group was greater than in the face-to-face group.

‘Someone’s been sleeping in my bed!’ Parental satisfaction associated with solitary and parent–child co‐sleeping in Israeli families with young children

The study examined differences in parental satisfaction associated with solitary and parent–child co‐sleeping in a sample (N = 61) of Israeli families with children ranging in age from 12 to 48 months (M = 28.04, SD = 10.71). Questionnaire data regarding the family sleeping arrangement, parental satisfaction with the sleeping arrangement, child temperament (Infant Characteristics Questionnaire (ICQ)), breastfeeding history and parental sleep control attitudes were collected. Differences in reported satisfaction between solitary and co‐sleeping parents, as well as between mothers and fathers were examined. Results showed that 50 (82%) of the mothers and 41 (73.2%) of the fathers were satisfied with their sleeping arrangement. However, solitary sleeping was associated with significantly higher parental satisfaction compared to co‐sleeping. Mothers and fathers were equally satisfied with their family sleeping arrangement. History of extended breastfeeding and frequent co‐sleeping were associated with parental dissatisfaction, for mothers and fathers alike. The implications of these findings for child rearing practices are discussed.

Godly Play: An Intervention for Improving Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Responses of Chronically Ill Hospitalized Children

An experimental two-group comparison pilot study of forty chronically ill hospitalized children was carried out at Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Three Godly Play interventions were given to participants in the experimental group. Children in the control group did not participate but received a fairy tale book as a control. The sample was evenly distributed with twenty (20) males and twenty (20) females. Ages ranged from six (6) to fifteen (15) years and all participants were chronically ill. Five (5) variables were studied. Of the five (5), three (3) showed significant differences before and after Godly Play: the Staic-Trait Anxiety Scale (p = .049), the Children's Depression Inventory (p = .011), and the McBride Spirituality Assessment (p = .033). A marginal difference in parent satisfaction with hospital care of children in the experimental and control groups was also determined (p = .058). Findings suggest that Godly Play had a significant effect on anxiety, depression, and spirituality of children and support the idea that the parents of children who participated in Godly Play were more satisfied with hospital care than those parents whose children did not engage in Godly Play.

Parent preferences and parent choices: the public–private decision about school choice

School choice survey data from the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, a large county‐wide school district, is analysed to examine the characteristics of parents who consider choosing private schools for their children and those who do not. We examine differences in background, including race, educational attainment and socioeconomic status, as well as differences in parent satisfaction with their child’s previous school, parent involvement in school, parents’ priorities in school choice, as well as parents’ social networks. After controlling for background characteristics, we find that parent satisfaction with their child’s previous school was not a predictor of considering a private school. Rather, parent involvement seems to be a more important indicator of whether or not a parent would consider sending their child to a private school. In this case, parents are not ‘pushed’ away from public schools, contrary to much public rhetoric that suggests private schools are somehow inherently ‘better’ than public schools and parents who are dissatisfied with their public schools will opt for private schools. Instead, these findings suggest a ‘pull’ towards private schools. Parents may perceive that parent involvement and parent communication are more easily facilitated and valued in private schools.

Long-term Parental Satisfaction after Surgical Treatment of Concealed Penis

Purpose: Management of concealed penis continues to evolve, with several manuscripts having been published over the last several decades. Each describes a novel surgical approach, but little has been written concerning long-term results. We conducted a parental survey to assess long-term satisfaction with the surgical correction of concealed penis. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 31 medical records of patients treated for concealed penis between 2000 and 2005. The parental survey was performed via telephone interview. The mean follow-up duration was 26.3 months (range 14 to 84 months). The questionnaire addressed the appearance and accessibility of the penis, hygiene care, severity of concealment, negative concerns about the appearance of the penis, and parent satisfaction. Parental satisfaction was also analyzed according to age, phimosis, method of correction, and body mass index (BMI). Results: The mean patient age was 7.3±6.5 years (range 14 month to 14 years). Before surgery, 67.7% of parents complained of difficulty with hygiene care, 80.6% complained of a completely hidden penis, and 83.3% complained of negative feelings about the appearance of the penis. However, most of these complaints resolved after surgical correction. On the telephone interview, 93.5% of parents said there was improvement in the accessibility of the penis, 80.6% said there was improvement in the length of the penis, and 87.1% said they would recommend the surgery to another boy with the same problem. There were no significant differences in parental satisfaction with respect to age, phimosis, method of correction, or BMI. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that most parents were satisfied with the surgical correction of concealed penis, regardless of patient age, phimosis, surgical method, or BMI. (Korean J Urol 2008;49:627-632) 󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏

Administration of the first dose of palivizumab immunoprophylaxis against respiratory syncytial virus in infants before hospital discharge: What is the evidence for its benefit?

Background: Palivizumab is 1 of 2 agents used to prevent severe lower respiratory tract disease due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend administering the first dose of RSV immunoprophylaxis to eligible infants before hospital discharge. Unfortunately, third-party payers frequently do not separately reimburse administration of this therapy to hospitalized infants. Objective: Because palivizumab is commonly used to provide RSV immunoprophylaxis, we systematically reviewed all published data on this drug to determine whether the evidence supports the recommendation of administering the first dose before hospital discharge. Methods: MEDLINE was searched for all articles published in English from January 1, 1996, to October 31, 2003, using the search terms palivizumab and Synagis, and the following data were extracted onto a standardized form: author(s), year of publication, study design, patient population, sample size, criteria used for administration of RSV prophylaxis, location of palivizumab prophylaxis (inpatient or outpatient), parental satisfaction with administration of prophylaxis, incidence of RSV infection, and hospitalization rates for RSV. All selected publications were reviewed to determine whether they reported differences in the incidence of RSV infection or hospitalization in patients who received palivizumab before discharge compared with those who received it after discharge. Only those publications that specifically documented administration of the first dose of palivizumab before hospital discharge were included in the final analysis. Results: Six of the 166 studies reviewed met the selection criteria. Although all 6 studies reported reduced RSV hospitalization rates with palivizumab prophylaxis, no study directly compared inpatient and outpatient administration with regard to parental satisfaction or rates of RSV infection or hospitalization. Furthermore, based on the data in these studies, it was not possible to detect any differences in parental satisfaction or rates of RSV infection or hospitalization between the 2 locations of administration. Conclusions: Based on our literature review, there is no evidence to support the recommendation that palivizumab be administered before hospital discharge in every infant who meets the criteria for RSV immunoprophylaxis. Eligible infants may be given the initial dose of RSV prophylaxis as outpatients, reducing the cost to institutions that currently provide palivizumab before hospital discharge.

Comparing wound closure using tissue glue versus subcuticular suture for pediatric surgical incisions: a prospective, randomised trial

Tissue adhesives have gained favour for quicker and painless closure of lacerations. To compare the tissue adhesive 2-octylcyanoacrylate with our current standard subcuticular suture for closure of surgical incisions in children, looking at outcome measures of time efficiency, cosmesis, and wound complications, a prospective, randomised, controlled trial was conducted at our institution's ambulatory surgery centre. All healthy patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral herniotomies were recruited prospectively with informed consent and randomly allocated to suture or glue. The exclusion criteria were neonates or children with allergy to tissue glue. Time of wound closure was measured from the subcutaneous layer to application of the dressing. An independent, blinded observer assessed cosmesis at 2 to 3 weeks using a validated wound scale ranging from worst (0) to best (6). Parent satisfaction with wound appearance was recorded on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). A total of 59 patients were recruited into the study with 26 in the glue group and 33 in the suture group. There was no difference in mean time of closure (glue 181 +/- 62 s vs suture 161 +/- 45 s, P = 0.18). Two patients in each group had a suboptimal Hollander wound score of 5 (7.7% glue, 6.1% suture). There was also no difference in parent satisfaction (VAS: glue 78 +/- 19 mm vs suture 81 +/- 15 mm, P = 0.68). No patient reported any rash, wound infection, or dehiscence. Tissue glue is easy to use with no complications and has equivalent cosmetic results, but is not faster than a subcuticular suture.

'The Kids are Doing All Right': Differences in parental satisfaction, expectation and attribution in St Petersburg, Sunderland and

Comparative studies of attitudes in different countries have resulted in the claim that parents in the USA and England tend to have unrealistically positive views of their children's schools and academic performance. Low expectations, together with a belief in the importance of natural ability, it has been argued, lead to low standards and reduce striving to succeed. The present study builds upon earlier investigations of children's attitudes, beliefs and behaviours in Sunderland, Eastern Kentucky and St Petersburg by surveying parental perspectives. Findings from these three regions reinforce earlier findings about English and American complacency and the more demanding nature of the Russian context. In line with our earlier studies, and contrary to the suggestion of a number of writers, an emphasis upon effort, rather than ability, was a strong feature of the English and American responses, although it is pointed out that such beliefs may not actually result in high work rates. The paper concludes by suggesting that the important role of parents in instilling important attitudes and behaviours in their children is undermined by the current emphasis upon schools as fundamentally responsible for ensuring high levels of achievement.

'The Kids are Doing All Right': differences in parental satisfaction, expectation and attribution in St Petersburg, Sunderland and

'The Kids are Doing All Right': differences in parental satisfaction, expectation and attribution in St Petersburg, Sunderland and