Mother-father Pairs Research Articles

Father knows best? Chinese parents’ perceptions of their influence on child development

ABSTRACT This study investigates how Chinese parents’ narratives about the father’s and the mother’s influence on child development reveal their gender beliefs and socialization goals. Drawing on interviews of 62 father-mother pairs from a mixed-method longitudinal study in Nanjing, China, we found that contrary to the assumption that parents of both genders benefit children’s development in their respective, gender-typical ways in extant literature, our participants believed that mothers as executor of ‘trivial’ childrearing tasks provide few positive influences than fathers who steer the ‘broad’ directions of child development and cultivation of male traits. Parents emphasized the importance of instilling masculinity in both boys and girls, which differs from the valuation of mothers’ same-gender role modeling for daughters in Western-based studies. Yet underneath the father’s ‘masculine’ influences are concerns about children’s ability to meet increasingly rigid and narrow standards for masculinity in today’s China, which imposes pressure on mothers, fathers, and sons.

Concordance of Fathers and Mothers in the Assessment of Their 5-Year-Old Child's Dental Fear.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concordance of parents' assessments of their child's dental fear. Cross-sectional secondary analysis used data from the multidisciplinary FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. Child dental fear was assessed at age 5 with the Finnish translation of the modified Children's Fear Survey Schedule Dental Subscale (CFSS-M) by both fathers (n = 588) and mothers (n = 1100). Reply alternatives were from 1 = not afraid to 5 = very afraid and 6 = no experience coded as missing and 1. In total, 514 mother-father pairs were eligible for the analyses. Descriptive statistics, percentage agreement and Cohen's Kappa coefficients were used in the analyses. The concordance of parents' assessments was poor (Kappa range 0.072-0.258). The majority of parents replied "No Experience" to items related to invasive treatment or being unable to breathe. Thus, coding of this reply alternative had a significant impact on the mean values of the child's fear. When assessing the fear of a five-year-old child, it might not be safe to rely only on one parent's assessment, and whether or not the child has experience with the question asked should also be considered.

Impact of longer working hours on fathers' parenting behavior when their infants are 6 months old: The Japan Environment and Children's Study.

Long working hours have been suggested to affect fathers' parenting behavior, but previously reported findings have been inconsistent. This study examined the association between the working hours and parenting behavior of fathers while accounting for other factors related to their parenting behavior, using data from the Japan Environment and Children Study (JECS), a large cohort study in Japan. Data from 43,159 father-mother pairs were analyzed. The mother assessed the father's frequency of seven parenting behaviors at 6 months after delivery. Then, each behavior was classified into a high-engagement group (always and sometimes) or a low-engagement group (rarely and never). The father's weekly working hours was obtained from his responses and was classified into six levels. Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment for covariates, fathers' weekly working hours was inversely associated with the frequency of all parenting behaviors examined in this study (p for trend <0.0001). Compared with fathers working ≥0 to ≤40 h per week, those working >65 h per week showed the following adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for low engagement in parenting behaviors: playing at home, 2.38 (2.08-2.72); changing diapers, 2.04 (1.89-2.20); and bathing the child, 2.01 (1.84-2.18). This study suggests that the greater time constraints imposed by longer working hours constitute a major factor that discourages fathers from engaging in childrearing behavior. Intervention targeting long working hours could contribute to measures aimed at promoting high-engagement parenting behaviors among fathers.

Does Preschool Education Moderate the Associations Between Paternal, Maternal, and Allocaregivers’ Engagement and Children’s Literacy and Social Skills in African Countries?

ABSTRACT Maternal reports from the UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys were determined whether preschool enrollment strengthened the associations between paternal, maternal, and allocaregivers’ (e.g. grandparents, aunts, uncles) engagement in literacy-type and social activities and children’s literacy and social skills. The sample consisted of 47,832 mother-father pairs, other household members, and preschool-aged children in cultural communities in 14 African countries. Research Findings: Household resources, educational attainment, and educational materials were consistent predictors of children’s literacy and social skills. Children whose mothers, fathers, and allocaregivers read to them and who were in preschool performed better on the literacy skills assessments than those whose caregivers did not read to them and did not attend preschool. Reading was a better predictor of children’s literacy skills than storytelling or naming/counting objects. Preschool enrollment appears to be a better predictor of children’s literacy and social skills than caregiver engagement. Practice and Policy: Expanding literacy materials, encouraging father involvement, and sustaining collaborations between parents and allocaregivers with preschool programs may help to cultivate children's social and literacy skills.

Transgenerational associations of parental famine exposure in early life with offspring risk of adult obesity in China.

The aim of this study was to investigate the transgenerational associations between exposure to famine in early life and obesity. This study used the longitudinal data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey from 1989 to 2015. A total of 1113 fathers and 1207 mothers (946 mother-father pairs) born in 1955 to 1966 and 1895 adult offspring were included. Offspring were classified into subgroups according to the famine exposure of their parents (unexposed, maternal exposed, paternal exposed, parental exposed) and exposure timing (during fetal development, childhood). Maternal exposure to famine in early life was associated with elevated levels of BMI, waist circumference, overweight, and central obesity of their children, whereas paternal exposure was inversely associated with these measurements. Compared with children of unexposed parents (P0M0), the maternal exposed group (P0M1) had higher mean BMI, by 1.3kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.3 to 2.4); waist circumference, by 1.5cm (-1.0 to 3.9); overweight (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]: 3.1 [1.6 to 6.1]); and central obesity (OR [95% CI]: 1.9 [1.02 to 3.7]). No significant heterogeneity was observed in the associations by sex of offspring. Fetal and early childhood exposure to famine in parents may be associated with their children's risk of obesity during adulthood. A better understanding of the transgenerational associations is important for developing strategies to reduce obesity risk in future generations.

Fathers' level of involvement in childcare activities and its association with the diet quality of children in Northern Ghana.

This study assessed the level of fathers' involvement in childcare activities and its association with the diet quality of their children in Northern Ghana. The study was carried out in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana. The people in the study area mostly depend on agriculture as their main occupation. A community-based comparative analytical cross-sectional study. A sample of 422 rural mother-father pairs who had at least one child aged 6-36 months. The overall level of fathers' involvement in childcare and feeding activities was high among 63·5 % of the respondents in the 6 months prior to the study. The most common childcare activity men were involved in was providing money for the purchase of food for the child. Minimum acceptable diet was higher for children with a higher level of paternal involvement in childcare activities (adjusted OR = 3·33 (95 % CI: 1·41, 7·90)), compared to their counterparts whose father's involvement was poor. Fathers who had a positive attitude to childcare and feeding were 2·9 more likely to get involved in childcare activities (adjusted OR = 2·90 (95 % CI: 1·87, 4·48)). The findings confirm earlier studies that show that fathers' involvement in childcare activities including feeding is positively associated with improved child feeding practices. The findings point to the need to have a policy shift in which both men and women are key actors in interventions designed to improve child nutritional status in rural settings of Northern Ghana.

Parent ADHD Is Associated With Greater Parenting Distress in the First Year Postpartum

Objective: Little is known about the experience of parenting infants when a mother or father has ADHD. This study examined cross-sectional predictors of parenting distress experienced by parents with and without ADHD who also have infants. Methods: Participants were 73 mother-father pairs (N = 146) of infants 6 to 10 months old. Half of the families included a parent with ADHD. Psychosocial predictors were tested using multilevel modeling. Results: Parent or partner ADHD, lower parent sleep quality, fewer social supports, and less infant surgency and effortful control were associated with greater parental distress. Infant negative affect and sleep were not associated. Conclusions: Parents with ADHD and their partners experience greater parenting distress in the first year of their child’s life than parents without ADHD. Addressing parent ADHD symptoms and co-occurring difficulties, including sleep disturbances, are potential targets for early interventions to maximize both parent and infant mental health outcomes.

Reciprocal associations between affectual, associational, and normative solidarity with parents during children's early to established adulthood.

Intergenerational solidarity has become increasingly important to understand, as close family members mobilize the provision of social support across generations and contribute to family wellbeing. However, less is known about continuity and change in normative (eldercare norms), affectual, and associational solidarity with mothers and fathers as children emerge into full or established adulthood. Therefore, we focused on reciprocal associations between three dimensions of intergenerational solidarity (normative, affectual, and associational) as reported by young-adult children from their early twenties to late thirties. Data were derived from respondents in the Longitudinal Study of Generations: daughters reported about relationships with 291 mother-father pairs and sons reported about relationships with 309 mother-father pairs in 2000, 2005, and 2016. Autoregressive cross-lagged models prospectively predicted mutual influences among the three dimensions of solidarity across daughter-parent and son-parent relationships. In addition, multiple group analysis was conducted to examine the children's gender difference. We found that normative solidarity and emotional closeness with mothers were mutually reinforcing in daughters' and sons' parental relationships. However, normative solidarity predicted emotional closeness with fathers in both daughter-parent and son-parent relationships. The study concludes that sons and daughters establish eldercare norms based on emotional components of solidarity with mothers, and suggest that filial duty is a key reason why mother-child relations become close over the family life course.

Impact of paternal presence and parental social-demographic characteristics on birth outcomes.

Maternal race, marital status, and social environment impact risk of preterm delivery and size for gestational age. Although some paternal characteristics such as age are associated with pregnancy outcomes, the influence of the paternal presence, race/ethnicity and adverse life events is not well known. The objective of the study was to assess birth outcomes in mothers with a paternal presence compared to those without during the post-partum period. The secondary aim was to determine whether paternal race is associated with birth outcomes. This was a cross-sectional study using parental surveys linked with birth certificate data from 2016 to 2018. Adverse birth composite outcomes (ABCO) including small for gestational age (SGA), prematurity or neonatal intensive care unit admission (NICU) were assessed. A total of 695 parents were analyzed (239 single mothers and 228 mother-father pairs). Compared to mothers with a father present, mothers without a father present exhibited increased odds of ABCO, prematurity and NICU. Non-Hispanic Black fathers had increased odds of ABCO and NICU compared to Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Hispanic fathers had increased odds of NICU compared to NHW. Paternal absence in the post-partum period and paternal race were both independently associated with ABCO and NICU. Assessment of paternal presence and paternal race in clinical practice may help identify opportunities for additional support necessary to optimize birth outcomes.

Intervention experiences among children with congenital and neonatal conditions impacting brain development: patterns of service utilization, barriers and future directions

Objective The current study examined reported patterns of utilization and barriers to early and school-age interventions, as well as directions for future care, among families of children with congenital or neonatal conditions with known-risk for poor neurocognitive development. The impact of the child’s severity of injury, condition and adaptive functioning, as well as family sociodemographic factors were considered. Methods The sample included 62 parents (53 mothers, 5 fathers, 4 mother-father pairs) of children diagnosed with neonatal stroke, hypoxia ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and congenital heart disease (CHD) ranging in age between 3 to 9 years (mean age = 4.5 years, SD = 1.82). Results In this sample, approximately 80% of children were reported to have had utilized one or more therapies. The most frequent services utilized included: (a) speech and language therapy, (b) occupational therapy, and (c) physical therapy. Less than 10% of sample reported utilizing any psychological therapies. Common family barriers to all interventions included time off work, lack of childcare, and transportation. Parents of children with more severe injury or condition reported that their children were utilizing a greater number of interventions and also perceived a greater number of barriers. Over half of the parents expressed a need for more parent support groups, remote psychosocial services, and individualized psychological therapy for themselves or their family. Conclusions Findings highlight patterns of utilization and perceived gaps in early and school-age interventions for children with congenital or neonatal conditions that impact neurodevelopment. Direction for clinical care and improved intervention opportunities are discussed.

Sustainable Undernutrition Reduction in Ethiopia (SURE): A Qualitative Study Assessing Feasibility of the Program Implementation in Basona Worana District, Ethiopia

Abstract Objectives The Ethiopian government designed the SURE program which aims to reduce the prevalence of stunting by improving complementary feeding and dietary diversity as part of its national nutrition program. This study was conducted to test the feasibility of the SURE program before its implementation. Methods A qualitative research design with purposive sampling was employed for this study. A five-day overall SURE program training was provided for 6 health extension workers (HEWs) and 10 agriculture extension workers (AEWs). Trainees completed pre-post knowledge tests. Following their training, two pairs of health and agriculture extension workers jointly conducted household visits in each of three selected kebeles (sub-unit of district) to assess needs and counsel mother-father pairs. They also facilitated women's and men's group dialogues to reinforce messages in gender-specific peer groups. Research assistants and investigators observed 12 joint household visits. To further assess the program, 24 semi-structured interviews with extension workers and mother-father pairs and 6 focus group discussions with men's and women's groups were conducted. Data were analyzed using Nvivo version 11. Results Health and agriculture extension workers gained demonstrable knowledge about infant and young child feeding and nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices following their training, but they largely failed to apply the 3A's counselling process (assess, analyze and act) and delivered inconsistent messages during the counselling visits based on observation. However, they felt that they can realistically continue to work together. Pairs of mothers and fathers visited were supportive of the joint HEWs and AEWs visits. Focus group discussants from women's groups reported that segregating the group discussions by gender was helpful to ensure their participation and expression of ideas. Conclusions The SURE training provided to HEWs and AEWs resulted in knowledge retention. The integrated service delivery model of the SURE program is well-accepted by both extension workers and mother-father pairs. Further support to build counselling skills will be needed to improve program processes and the quality of services. Funding Sources Childrens' Investment Fund Foundation (UK) funded this research. No other involvement in carrying out the research activities.

Caregivers’ perceptions of stuttering impact in young children: Agreement in mothers’, fathers’ and teachers’ ratings

PurposePrior studies have documented an adverse impact of stuttering on young children’s lives. These studies have relied primarily on parent reports, though different caregivers may have unique experiences with children. To date, no study has examined teachers’ perceptions of the impact in children below six years of age. Moreover, the agreement between mothers, fathers, and teachers in proxy ratings of impact has not been examined. Caregiver agreement is important to investigate because results from varying assessments of adverse impact can influence treatment recommendations. This study sought to gain an integrated insight into 1) teachers’ perceptions and descriptions of the impact of stuttering on young children and 2) agreement in mothers’, fathers’, and teachers’ perceptions of how stuttering affects young children. MethodThe mothers, fathers, and teachers of 35 young children who stutter (aged 2.0–6.0 years) completed the Overall Assessment of the Speaker’s Experience of Stuttering – Caregivers (Parents and Kindergarten Teachers) (OASES-C; Guttormsen, Yaruss, & Næss, 2020). Teachers also responded to open-ended questions about their perceptions of the impact of stuttering on children’s lives. ResultsOverall, teachers perceived stuttering to affect children’s lives to a mild-to-moderate degree. The teachers described communication difficulty and reactions and how these changed across settings in kindergarten. Agreement on the four OASES-C sections and on the total score were calculated for 29 mother-teacher pairs, 29 father-teacher pairs, and 33 mother-father pairs. Results indicate good agreement between mothers and fathers and fair agreement between parents and teachers. Across caregiver pairs, agreement was high (good or excellent) when reporting on observable impact, while agreement was low (fair or poor) on ratings of internal impact. ConclusionThe finding that teachers also perceive stuttering to have an adverse effect on young children adds to the literature of impact, particularly because the teachers reported observing impact in situations that are unique to the kindergarten setting. In line with previous literature on proxy reporting, our results indicate good agreement between caregivers observing the children in the same arena (mothers and fathers) and fair agreement between caregivers observing the children in different arenas (parents and teachers). The results indicate that information from more than one caregiver can contribute to an integrated assessment of impact across arenas.

Effect of Genetic Similarity in Microsatellite Loci of Parents and Female Offspring on Milk Productivity

Molecular genetics methods allow for identifying markers of desirable economically useful traits of farm animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of genetic similarity of parents and offspring on milk production of daughter cows. The study was carried out employing 630 pairs of black-motley cattle. Animals were tested for 11 microsatellite loci. As a result of the studies, it was found that the genetic similarity index of father–mother pairs was lower than the similarity index of mother–daughter and father–daughter pairs. Positive correlations were also observed for genetic similarity of father–mother, father–daughter, and mother–daughter pairs and the milk production of daughter cows. The correlation coefficient between the genetic similarity of pairs of animals and the milk yield over 305 days of lactation was 0.24–0.34 at p ≤ 0.05–0.01. A decrease in protein content by 0.05% and fat by 0.16% in milk of daughters was observed when their genetic similarity with mothers was higher. The correlation coefficient between the genetic similarity of mother–daughter pairs and the fat and protein content in milk was 0.17–0.31 at p ≤ 0.01–0.001.

The forgotten parent: a qualitative study of indigenous Guatemalan fathers' perspectives on atypical child development

BackgroundLittle is known about the role Latino fathers have in rearing children with atypical development. Despite the positive effects of father involvement being well studied in other populations, Latino fathers have been historically overlooked in family research. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of indigenous Guatemalan fathers of children with atypical development, particularly their understanding of their child's needs and their role in addressing those needs. MethodsUsing Kleinman's semi-structured Explanatory Model (EM) questions, I interviewed self-identified parents of children with atypical development to investigate their perceptions of their child's development and also their role in child rearing. Interviews also included questions about gender roles in child rearing and a brief demographic survey. Participant families were recruited from rural communities in the Department of Sololá, Guatemala. Interviews were analysed using ethnographic methods. FindingsBetween Nov 2 and Nov 10, 2018, 24 mother-father pairs were interviewed in 48 interviews. The results of the interviews indicated that, despite a rigid view of each parent's responsibilities (father as the breadwinner and mother as the caretaker), parents would abandon traditional familial gender roles if it were in the best interest of their child. Further, designated familial gender roles did not predetermine the types of concern parents experienced about their child with atypical development. For example, although a Guatemalan father may believe his main familial responsibility is to meet the financial needs of his family, his main paternal concerns may not only be financial in nature. InterpretationAt a functional level, Guatemalan families will adapt their parenting roles and responsibilities for the benefit their children with atypical development. These findings act as an opposing perspective to other published work on machismo, a concept often used to describe the Hispanic male-female hierarchy. These results suggest that the concept of machismo may be a western concept that is far too generalising for the indigenous couple rearing a child with atypical development. As such, Latino men remain an understudied and potentially underutilised member of the family, especially in high-stress homes where a child with atypical development is being cared for. Ways to increase their involvement in child rearing should be considered by researchers and policy makers. FundingCollege of Latin American Studies pre-dissertation field research grant.

What children bring to the table: The association of temperament and child fussy eating with maternal and paternal mealtime structure

Fussy eating is a nuanced, mealtime-specific behaviour associated with difficult temperament but has been rarely examined within the context of mealtime structure. The aim of this study was to a) examine associations between child temperament, and mothers' and fathers' structure-related feeding practices and b) explore whether these associations were mediated by child fussy eating. Cohabiting mother-father pairs (N = 205) of children aged between 2- to 5-years residing in a socioeconomically disadvantaged Australian city completed self-reported, validated measures of child temperament, food fussiness and structure-related feeding practices (structured meal timing, structured meal setting and family meal setting). Child temperament was associated with maternal and paternal structure-related feeding practices, such that more difficult temperament was associated with less mealtime structure. Mothers' perception of child food fussiness mediated the relationship between difficult temperament and increased provision of alternative meals to the child from the rest of the family. Additionally, mothers' and fathers' perception of child food fussiness mediated the relationship between difficult child temperament and lower frequency of sitting at a table together for family meals. Therefore, perceptions of child food fussiness may explain why mothers and fathers use less structure at mealtimes with children who have more difficult temperaments. These results suggests that similar intervention approaches can be used for both mothers and fathers from socioeconomically disadvantaged families to target fussy eating and structure the mealtime environment. Promoting mealtime structure to facilitate parents’ appropriate responses to food refusal or difficult behaviour at mealtimes is indicated.

Factors affecting acceptance of at-birth point of care HIV testing among providers and parents in Kenya: A qualitative study.

BackgroundAt-birth and point-of-care (POC) HIV testing are emerging strategies to streamline infant HIV diagnosis and expedite ART initiation for HIV-positive infants. The purpose of this qualitative study was to evaluate factors influencing the provision and acceptance of at-birth POC testing among both HIV care providers and parents of HIV-exposed infants in Kenya.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 HIV care providers and 35 parents of HIV-exposed infants (including 23 mothers, 6 fathers, and 3 mother-father pairs) at four study hospitals prior to POC implementation. An overview of best available evidence related to POC was presented to participants prior to each interview. Interviews probed about standard EID services, perceived benefits and risk of at-birth and POC testing, and suggested logistics of providing at-birth and POC. Interviews were audio recorded, translated (if necessary), and transcribed verbatim. Using the Transdisciplinary Model of Evidence Based Practice to guide analysis, transcripts were coded based on a priori themes related to environmental context, patient characteristics, and resources.ResultsMost providers (24/26) and parents (30/35) held favorable attitudes towards at-birth POC testing. The potential for earlier results to improve infant care and reduce parental anxiety drove preferences for at-birth POC testing. Parents with unfavorable views towards at-birth POC testing preferred standard testing at 6 weeks so that mothers could heal after birth and have time to bond with their newborn before–possibly–learning that their child was HIV-positive. Providers identified lack of resources (shortage of staff, expertise, and space) as a barrier.DiscussionWhile overall acceptability of at-birth POC testing among HIV care providers and parents of HIV-exposed infants may facilitate uptake, barriers remain. Applying a task-shifting approach to implementation and ensuring providers receive training on at-birth POC testing may mitigate provider-related challenges. Comprehensive counseling throughout the antenatal and postpartum periods may mitigate patient-related challenges.

The fidelity and dose of message delivery on infant and young child feeding practice and nutrition sensitive agriculture in Ethiopia: a qualitative study from the Sustainable Undernutrition Reduction in Ethiopia (SURE) programme

BackgroundIn Ethiopia, 38% of children under 5 years of age are stunted (low height for age). A novel government-led intervention called the Sustainable Undernutrition Reduction in Ethiopia (SURE) aims to tackle the burden of stunting by improving complementary feeding and dietary diversity among young children. The SURE programme design applies a transtheoretical model of behaviour change, whereby exposure to recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and nutrition-sensitive agriculture messages is a first stage to adopting key behaviours. This qualitative study explored the fidelity and dose of the IYCF and nutrition-sensitive agriculture messages delivered by extension workers.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted across four regions in Ethiopia (Oromiya, Amhara, SNNP and Tigray) between April and October 2017. Across the four regions, 81 key informant interviews, 90 FGDs and 81 observations were conducted with 180 extension workers, 18 development agents and 54 mother-father pairs. Digitally recorded audio files were transcribed verbatim, and the data were analysed based on a framework analysis approach using NVivo (version 12) by coding and categorising texts into major themes and sub-themes.ResultsSURE target households had the intended exposure to messages about exclusive breastfeeding, timing of initiation of complementary feeding, food groups, diversified food consumption, irrigation, rearing small animals and vegetables. Few households reported receiving messages on the content or frequency of complementary feeding of a child beyond 6 months of age. Frequency of household visits and hence exposure to SURE messages was also variable. Agricultural messages delivered during household visits focussed on improving standard agricultural practices and rarely covered the importance of nutrition-sensitive agriculture to improve household or child nutrition.ConclusionDespite variability observed in the breadth and depth of messages delivered, large-scale behaviour change communication programmes can achieve moderate to good message exposure among target groups. Qualitative data provide an in-depth insight into fidelity and may supplement our understanding of programme roll-out and implementation. Further research is required to understand longer-term message saturation including frequency and reach.

Fathers’, Mothers’, and Other Household Members’ Involvement in Reading, Storytelling, and Play and Preschoolers’ Literacy Skills in Kenya

ABSTRACTResearch Findings: Positive parenting is widely recommended as a viable mechanism for boosting children’s early cognitive skills across the world. Drawing on data from the UNICEF Multiple Indicator Surveys, associations were determined between maternal, paternal, and other household members’ engagement in play, book reading, and storytelling and children’s early literacy skills in Kenya. The sample consisted of 990 mother-father pairs, household members, and preschool-aged children from three rural counties in Kenya. Maternal book reading was associated with children’s ability to read words. Paternal book reading was associated with children’s ability to identify letters and read words and paternal engagement in play was associated with children’s ability to identify letters. Other household members’ engagement in book reading was associated with children’s ability to read words and recognize symbols. Number of books in the home, enrollment in preschool education, household wealth, maternal education, and fathers’ residential status were variously associated with children’s literacy skills. Practice or Policy: These findings suggest the relative contribution of book reading versus play and storytelling by mothers, fathers and allocaregivers in advancing children’s early literacy skills development in the Kenyan cultural context.

Coparenting in the feeding context: perspectives of fathers and mothers of preschoolers.

This study examined how fathers and mothers coparent around child feeding. Father-mother pairs (N = 30) of preschool-aged children (M child age = 4.1years old) participated in joint or group interview sessions. Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (1) couples' division of labor regarding feeding tasks seemed to align with stereotypical gender roles; (2) couples noted that they attempted healthier family eating habits in comparison to families of origin and recognized the influence of extended family on their attempts at healthier feeding; (3) couples agreed on the importance of family mealtime, routines, and healthy meals, yet disagreed on strategies to limit unhealthy foods and achieve harmonious family meals. This study identified processes of coparenting and child feeding areas that were particularly challenging to manage among parents, which could be important targets for childhood obesity interventions. V, descriptive study.

"Development and validation of the Family Law DOORS": Correction to McIntosh, Wells, and Lee (2016).

Reports an error in "Development and validation of the Family Law DOORS" by Jennifer E. McIntosh, Yvonne Wells and Jamie Lee (Psychological Assessment, 2016[Nov], Vol 28[11], 1516-1522). In the article, the "Adult not coping" scale in Table 1 is missing the item "Major worries about coping." (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2016-04479-001.) When former spouses experience distress and dispute following separation, risks to well-being and to safety are heightened for all family members. Reliable family-wide risk screening is essential. The Family Law DOORS (Detection of Overall Risk Screen) is a 3-part screening framework to assist identification, evaluation, and response to safety and well-being risks in separated families. Uniquely, the Family Law DOORS screens for victimization and perpetration risks and appraises infant and child developmental risk. The Family Law DOORS self-report screening tool is the subject of this report. Internal scale reliability and concurrent and external criterion validity for the Family Law DOORS were estimated with a community sample of 660 separated parents, including 181 mother-father pairs. Overall psychometric properties are strong and demonstrate good potential for the Family Law DOORS to support early risk detection for separating families. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).