Parent-child Activity Research Articles

Play With Me: Effects of a shared activities parenting intervention on parenting and relative reinforcing value of food

This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated impacts of a novel shared activities intervention designed to promote positive parent-child interactions, which may function as an alternative reinforcer to food. The 4-week, at-home Play With Me intervention combines didactic parenting videos and play kits with materials for parent-child activities to practice skills. Aims of the present study were to examine the intervention's acceptability and its effects on parenting and the relative reinforcing value (RRV) of food versus parent-child activity at post-intervention. Thirty-two parents of 4-to-5-year-old children at risk for obesity were randomly assigned to the intervention or a waitlist control group. The intervention was well-liked by parents and feasible. Intervention parents reported more parenting structure and demonstrated higher observed sensitive parenting than controls at post; the latter finding was driven by greater parent positive mood, warmth, positive reinforcement, and relationship quality, with large effect sizes. There were no effects on the RRV of food. Inconsistent with hypotheses, there were trends toward control group parents reporting more parenting satisfaction and efficacy at post. Possible explanations are discussed. Results suggest Play With Me shows promise as an effective and acceptable intervention to promote positive parenting. Further research is needed to examine these effects and their implications for socioemotional development and health in a larger, more diverse sample over a longer time frame.

Comparative Study of Park Evaluation Based on Text Analysis of Social Media: A Case Study of 50 Popular Parks in Beijing

With China’s urban renewal, parks have developed into significant green recreational areas in cities. This paper analyzed social media texts and compared the evaluation outcomes of the 50 most popular urban parks in Beijing from various perspectives, such as the characteristics of various groups of people, park types, and the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of recreational activities. The importance–performance analysis method was used to analyze the main factors affecting visitors’ satisfaction with parks. The research found the following: (1) Positive evaluation of parks was related to environmental construction, event organization, etc., and negative evaluations focused on ticket supply, consumer spending, etc. (2) Visitors of different genders and from different regions focused on different aspects of parks. (3) In terms of traffic accessibility, historical and cultural display, parent–child activity organization, and ecological environment experience, people had diverse demands from various types of parks. (4) People were more likely to visit parks located within the range of all green belts in springs and parks located in the second green isolation belt in the fall. (5) The number of non-holiday reviews of parks was higher than that of holiday reviews. (6) Managers could improve visitor satisfaction by improving the infrastructure and management of parks.

The Effort of Parent-Child Reading Activity in Chinese Traditional Family Education

China is a country with traditional family education. Parents greatly influence their children, especially under the one-child policy and urbanization background. Chinese teaching requires context and training. Reading and communication are important ways to improve Chinese. Parent-child reading can better help students in grades 1-3 to read. This article aims to compare students' performance and interview results of parents in an elementary school in the immigrant city, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, to explore the supporting role of parents in this family education. Previously, similar language research work has examined the students' language development in Shenzhen Pontus' families for further research. This study used mixed methods to analyze the parent-child reading situation in a school in Shenzhen. This article also compared the students' Chinese performance to judge the impact of parent-child reading on students. The results show that the influence of parent-child reading in family education has an obvious positive effect. The specific auxiliary role is reflected in children's reading ability, Mandarin level, and literary knowledge. Therefore, this study suggests that teachers and parents promote parent-child reading work. Parent-child reading is not only conducive to the psychological growth of students but also conducive to the cultivation of students' language ability, especially for the cultivation of students' Mandarin and literary ability.

A school-based parenting program for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Impact on paternal caregivers

Engaging male caregivers within school settings is a major need within the educational field. Paternal engagement may be particularly important for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD have increased risk for a number of poor educational outcomes, which may be attenuated by the benefits of positive male caregiver involvement. The Coaching Our Acting Out Children: Heightening Essential Skills (COACHES) program has been illustrated to be an effective approach for engaging, retaining, and improving the parenting of male caregivers of children with ADHD in clinical settings. The present study reports on the efficacy of the COACHES in Schools program, an adaptation intended for deployment in elementary school settings. Sixty-one male caregivers were randomly assigned to COACHES in Schools or a waitlist control. Results indicated that male caregivers in COACHES in Schools used significantly more praise and less negative talk in a parent-child activity relative to male caregivers in the waitlist control at post-treatment and one-month follow-up. Distal outcomes related to child behavior at home and at school were not significantly different. Implications of the results for future studies and continued efforts to engage male caregivers within school settings are discussed.

Musical Engagement and Parent-Child Attachment in Families With Young Children During the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of families in the United States and across the world, impacting parent mental health and stress, and in turn, the parent-child relationship. Music is a common parent-child activity and has been found to positively impact relationships, but little is known about music’s role in parent-child interactions during a pandemic. The current study utilized an online questionnaire to assess the use of music in the home of young children and their parents in the United States and Canada during Covid-19 and its relationship with parents’ affective attachment with their child. Musical activity was high for both parents and children. Parents reported using music for both emotion regulation and to socially connect with their children. Parent-child musical engagement was associated with parent-child attachment, controlling for relevant parent variables including parent distress, efficacy, education, and parent-child engagement in non-musical activities. These results indicate that music may be an effective tool for building and maintaining parent-child relationships during a period of uncertainty and change.

Association of parent-child physical activity: a review update of Brazilian studies – Report Card Brazil

Abstract This systematic review update aimed to search for new evidences about parent-child physical activity among Brazilian studies. A new literature search for Brazilian studies published until 31 December 2019 was performed in the databases Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Lilacs, Sport Discus, and SciELO by the combination of descriptors regarding children and adolescents, physical activity, and parental support, restricted to English and Portuguese language. As result, only one new study were included besides those from previous review which corroborated with previous findings about positive relationship of parent-child physical activity. The included studies (n=14) were presented according to geographical distribution, year of publication, research design and physical activity assessment method. Limitations and future directions about specific physical activity domains and weekly amount, as well as peers and environmental support were highlighted. This review findings reinforced that parental lifestyle behavior is an important factor for active lifestyle promotion among Brazilian children and adolescents.

Experiences of adolescents and their guardians with a school-based combined individual and dyadic intervention

ABSTRACT The quality of parent-child relationships during adolescence has the potential to impact adolescents' mental health. This study explored how seven dyads (parent-child) might experience a two-component intervention (Method of Levels therapy-MOL and a parent-child activity) over four months. Following this, six dyads were interviewed and a thematic analysis was conducted. The most helpful aspect of the intervention for participants was the opportunity to talk. The intervention facilitated helpful conversations that increased participants' awareness and broadened their perspective on the topics discussed. This process helped participants find solutions to their problems. Young people and parents reported that the Shared Goals activity helped them improve their communication and relationships. Young people stated that MOL allowed them to figure things out for themselves.

A longitudinal perspective on frequency of parent–child activities and social–emotional development

ABSTRACT Surprisingly little research has considered whether parent–child activities facilitate social–emotional development and whether these associations differ for boys and girls. To address this gap, this study leveraged the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (2006–2008) to examine the extent to which story reading, storytelling and music activities longitudinally predicted social–emotional development. Parents reported the frequency of parent–child activities when children (N = 2567) were aged 3–6 and their social–emotional functioning two years later. Multi-group analyses indicated significant sex differences after controlling for family income. Story reading was negatively associated with hyperactivity and emotional/anxiety problems whereas storytelling was negatively associated with physical and indirect aggression among boys, but not girls. Storytelling and music activities were associated with lower hyperactivity among girls. More frequent parent–child activities predicted more prosocial behaviours among both boys and girls. This study highlights that each parent–child activity has its own distinctive implications on social–emotional functioning.

A school-based case series to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a PCT-informed psychological intervention that combines client-led counselling (Method of levels) and a parent–child activity (Shared goals)

ABSTRACT Psychological difficulties among young people are common. Various initiatives are being proposed in schools, yet no evidence-based data is available on how to address family difficulties (the most prevalent issues in school-based counselling). The current study examined the use of a two-component intervention based on the principles of Perceptual Control Theory (PCT). One is Method of Levels therapy (MOL) and the other is a parent–child activity (Shared Goals). Young people were invited to choose how often to engage in both MOL and the Shared Goals activity as well as the topics discussed during sessions for four months. Seven dyads were recruited and six were retained. At the end of the intervention, five young people were considered recovered.

The development of a parent–child activity based on the principles of perceptual control theory

AbstractProblems most frequently reported by young people in school counselling relate to family difficulties. During adolescence, conflict between parents and young people increases as young people move towards independence whilst still being reliant on parents. The quality of communication during this period has implications for young people’s well-being. The current study explored how the principles of perceptual control theory (PCT) could be used to develop a structured activity aimed at helping young people to talk to their parents about their goals and goal conflicts.PCT proposes that individuals function well when they are able to control things that are important to them. Every individual has numerous goals/wants and if two or more are incompatible, conflict arises. The current study focused on supporting young people to explore conflict that might arise due to incompatible goals held by them and their parent. Six families (child and parent/carer) were recruited to try a goal-setting and monitoring activity. The activity was facilitated by a Method of Levels researcher over a 10-week period. There were two follow-up appointments at 2 and 4 months. Two families were retained for the entire study. On completion, four families provided qualitative feedback. On the basis of participants’ feedback, the activity was modified to incorporate discussions on incompatible goals. Two families piloted the modified activity and provided feedback. Both families completed the study. Results suggest that a parent–child activity using the principles of PCT is feasible and acceptable among parents and young people.Key learning aims(1)To understand how the principles of PCT can be used to support young people in communicating with their parents.(2)To understand how talking about important goals/wants impacts young people and their parents.(3)To understand how the principles of PCT can be used to resolve parent–child conflict.

Determining the key factors contributing to children's theatre ticket purchases at Afrikaans arts festivals in South Africa

In South Africa, the popularity and rapid expansion of festivals are resulting in festivals competing for revenue and visitors’ leisure time. Many Afrikaans arts festivals in SA are experiencing declines in ticket sales and/or visitor numbers, thereby threatening the sustainability of this attendee market. However, another concern is the ageing of this attendee market. Festival organizers/marketers should therefore not only have a good understanding of the needs and preferences of their attendee market; but they should also ensure that their future markets (namely younger generations) are secured. It is evident that exposing children to the arts increases their love for and likelihood to support the arts in adulthood. It is therefore vital to ensure that the key factors contributing to children's theatre ticket purchases at South African Afrikaans arts festivals are determined. Although children's theatre is incorporated into these festivals’ programmes, attendance is often poor. The aim of this study is therefore to determine the key factors that contribute to children's theatre ticket purchases at Afrikaans arts festivals in South Africa. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK), Vryfees National Arts Festival, and the Aardklop National Arts Festival among the parents attending children's theatre productions with their child/ren. The research is exploratory in nature, whereby an exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the aspects contributing to the purchasing of these tickets, followed by ANOVAs for more in-depth analysis of the factors. Five factors, namely Parent–Child Activity, Production Credentials, Supporting the Arts, Value and Marketing and Media were identified. The results will help festival organizers develop strategies to attract more children and increase children's theatre ticket sales at arts festivals; thereby better securing this future market and ultimately the sustainability of arts festivals in South Africa.

Risk factors for the difficulties in general activities across the day in Chinese children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

ObjectivesTo explore the factors significantly associated with the difficulties of general activities during specific time periods across the day in Chinese children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).MethodsA cross-sectional study assessing the validity and reliability of Questionnaire-Children with Difficulties (QCD) for difficulties of general activities during specific time periods of the day in 200 Chinese children and adolescents with ADHD was the data source for this post-hoc analysis. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors significantly associated with the total and subscale scores of QCD respectively.ResultsADHD subtype of inattention (vs combination subtype, coefficient 3.69, P=0.006), parent–child interaction activity (vs no parent–child activity, coefficient 4.30, P=0.002), and any psychiatric comorbidities (vs no mental comorbidities, coefficient −3.68, P=0.010) were independently and significantly associated with the total score of QCD (higher score indicating less difficulties, and vice-versa). These three factors and the other two factors, including mother’s education and parenting style, were independently and significantly associated with at least one subscale score of QCD for the five time domains across the day.ConclusionThe overall difficulties of the general activities across the day in ADHD patients could be independently affected by ADHD subtype, psychiatric comorbidities, and parent–children interaction activity. However, the factors significantly associated with the difficulties of the general activities during specific time periods of the day in ADHD patients were slightly different.

Health-related parental indicators and their association with healthy weight and overweight/obese children\u2019s physical activity

BackgroundAlthough it is accepted that parents play a key role in forming children’s health behaviours, differences in parent-child physical activity (PA) have not previously been analysed simultaneously in random samples of families with non-overweight and overweight to obese preschool and school-aged children. This study answers the question which of the health-related parental indicators (daily step count (SC), screen time (ST), and weight status and participation in organized leisure-time PA) help their children achieve the step count recommendations.MethodsA nationally representative sample comprising 834 families including 1564 parent-child dyads who wore the Yamax Digiwalker SW-200 pedometer for at least 8 h a day on at least four weekdays and both weekend days and completed a family log book (anthropometric parameters, SC, and ST). Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate whether parental achievement of the daily SC recommendation (10,000 SC/day), non-excessive ST (< 2 h/day), weight status, and active participation in organized PA were associated with children’s achievement of their daily SC (11,500 SC/day for pre-schoolers and 13,000/11,000 SC/day for school-aged boys/girls).ResultsWhile living in a family with non-overweight parents helps children achieve the daily SC recommendation (mothers in the model: OR = 3.50, 95% CI = 2.29–5.34, p < 0.001; fathers in the model: OR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.37–4.26, p < 0.01) regardless of their age category, gender, or ST, for families with overweight/obese children, only the mother’s achievement of the SC recommendations and non-excessive ST significantly (p < 0.05) increase the odds of their children reaching the daily SC recommendation. The active participation of children in organized leisure-time PA increases the odds of all children achieving the daily SC recommendations (OR = 1.80–2.85); however, for overweight/obese children this remains non-significant. The participation of parents in organized leisure-time PA does not have a significant relationship to the odds of their overweight/obese or non-overweight children achieving the daily SC recommendations.ConclusionsThe mother’s health-related behaviours (PA and ST) significantly affect the level of PA of overweight/obese preschool and school-aged children. PA enhancement programmes for overweight/obese children cannot rely solely on the active participation of children in organized leisure-time PA; they also need to take other family-based PA, especially at weekends, into account.

Associations Between Shared Musical Engagement and Parent–Child Relational Quality: The Mediating Roles of Interpersonal Coordination and Empathy

ABSTRACTParent–child musical engagement in childhood and adolescence was assessed as a predictor of relational quality in emerging adulthood. From a perspective grounded in the communicative dynamics of musical engagement, this effect was hypothesized to be mediated by perceptions of interpersonal coordination and empathy between parent and child. Support was found for such mediated effects, particularly with coordination as a mediator. Results persisted when controlling for other forms of positive parent–child activity, thus illustrating the specific relational power of musical engagement, and more generally the importance of attending to what parents and children are doing when they interact.

Investigating the relationship between two home numeracy measures: A questionnaire and observations during Lego building and book reading.

Home numeracy has been defined as the parent-child interactions that include experiences with numerical content in daily-life settings. Previous studies have commonly operationalized home numeracy either via questionnaires or via observational methods. These studies have shown that both types of measures are positively related to variability in children's mathematical skills. This study investigated whether these distinctive data collection methods index the same aspect of home numeracy. The frequencies of home numeracy activities and parents' opinions about their children's mathematics education were assessed via a questionnaire. The amount of home numeracy talk was observed via two semi-structured videotaped parent-child activity sessions (Lego building and book reading). Children's mathematical skills were examined with two calculation subtests. We observed that parents' reports and number of observed numeracy interactions were not related to each other. Interestingly, parents' reports of numeracy activities were positively related to children's calculation abilities, whereas the observed home numeracy talk was negatively related to children's calculation abilities. These results indicate that these two methods tap on different aspects of home numeracy. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Home numeracy, that is, parent-child interactions that include experiences with numerical content, is supposed to have a positive impact on calculation or mathematical ability in general. Despite many positive results, some studies have failed to find such an association. Home numeracy has been assessed with questionnaires on the frequency of numerical experiences and observations of parent-child interactions; however, those two measures of home numeracy have never been compared directly. What does this study add? This study assessed home numeracy through questionnaires and observations in the 44 parent-child dyads and showed that home numeracy measures derived from questionnaires and observations are not related. Moreover, the relation between the reported frequency of home numeracy activities and calculation on the one hand, and parent-child number talk (derived from observations) and calculation on the other hand is in opposite directions; the frequency of activities is positively related to calculation performance; and the amount of number talk is negatively related to calculation. This study shows that both measures tap into different aspects of home numeracy and can be an important factor explaining inconsistencies in literature.

Persistent pain following common outpatient surgeries in children: A multicenter study in Italy

The prevalence of persistent postsurgical pain in children is over 20% after major surgeries; however, data are scarce on the prevalence, character, and risk factors among children undergoing common ambulatory surgeries. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of persistent pain following pediatric ambulatory surgery at 1, 3, and 6months. Secondary aims were to identify risk factors and characterize the pain and consequences of persistent postsurgical pain. ASA I-II, ages 1 month to 16 years old, undergoing elective hypospadias repair, herniorraphy, orchiopexy, and orthopedic surgery were enrolled in a prospective, longitudinal, observational study at 3 pediatric centers in Italy. All patients received general plus regional anesthesia. Postoperative pain was evaluated using age appropriate pain scales at 1 and 3hours. At 1, 3, and 6months, pain scores were obtained and Parent's Postoperative Pain Measures (<8yo) and Child Activity Limitations Interview (>8yo) surveys were administered. About 350 patients completed the study. The prevalence of pain at 1, 3, and 6months was 24% (84/350), 6.0% (21/350), and 4.0% (14/350), respectively. Inguinal herniorraphy patients experienced significantly higher pain at all 3-time points; 35.6%, 14.9%, and 9.2%. There was no significant association between mean pain scores >4 in PACU and persistent pain. Pain persisting at 6months had neuropathic characteristics and frequently interfered with daily activities and sleep. Our data support the presence of persistent pain in pediatric patients after common surgeries. Most patients who developed persistent pain at 6months had pain at 1month. We recommend questioning at follow-up visit about persistent pain and functional impairment with follow-up until resolution.

Effect of Attendance of the Child on Body Weight, Energy Intake, and Physical Activity in Childhood Obesity Treatment

Family-based weight loss treatment (FBT) is considered the gold-standard treatment for childhood obesity and is provided to the parent and child. However, parent-based treatment (PBT), which is provided to the parent without the child, could be similarly effective and easier to disseminate. To determine whether PBT is similarly effective as FBT on child weight loss over 24 months. Secondary aims evaluated the effect of these 2 treatments on parent weight loss, child and parent dietary intake, child and parent physical activity, parenting style, and parent feeding behaviors. Randomized 2-arm noninferiority trial conducted at an academic medical center, University of California, San Diego, between July 2011 and July 2015. Participants included 150 overweight and obese 8- to 12-year-old children and their parents. Both PBT and FBT were delivered in 20 one-hour group meetings with 30-minute individualized behavioral coaching sessions over 6 months. Treatments were similar in content; the only difference was the attendance of the child. The primary outcome measure was child weight loss (body mass index [BMI] and BMI z score) at 6, 12, and 18 months post treatment. Secondary outcomes were parent weight loss (BMI), child and parent energy intake, child and parent physical activity (moderate to vigorous physical activity minutes), parenting style, and parent feeding behaviors. One hundred fifty children (mean BMI, 26.4; mean BMI z score, 2.0; mean age, 10.4 years; 66.4% girls) and their parent (mean BMI, 31.9; mean age, 42.9 years; 87.3% women; and 31% Hispanic, 49% non-Hispanic white, and 20% other race/ethnicity) were randomly assigned to either FBT or PBT. Child weight loss after 6 months was -0.25 BMI z scores in both PBT and FBT. Intention-to-treat analysis using mixed linear models showed that PBT was noninferior to FBT on all outcomes at 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-up with a mean difference in child weight loss of 0.001 (95% CI, -0.06 to 0.06). Parent-based treatment was as effective on child weight loss and several secondary outcomes (parent weight loss, parent and child energy intake, and parent and child physical activity). Parent-based treatment is a viable model to provide weight loss treatment to children. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01197443.

Relationships of Objectively Measured Parent-Child Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Toddlers

Relationships of Objectively Measured Parent-Child Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Toddlers

Supporting Head Start parents: impact of a text message intervention on parent–child activity engagement

Head Start emphasises parent engagement as a critical strategy in promoting children's long-term learning. Parents can support children's positive development by engaging them in stimulating activities. The following study assessed whether a service that delivered parenting tips via text message could prompt parents of children enrolled in Head Start programmes to engage in more learning activities with their children. Two hundred and fifty-six parents participated in the study with approximately half receiving text messages for six weeks. All participants completed a questionnaire about the types of learning activities in which they engaged their children. Parents who received the service engaged in more learning activities; this was particularly true of fathers and parents of boys. Parents reported high rates of satisfaction with service. These results suggest that text-based interventions as a supplement to other forms of family engagement may successfully communicate parenting information and support parental engagement with young children.

An evaluation study of parent management training program in northern Thai

Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of parent management training in Northern Thai parents in both the short and long term and to evaluate parental and environmental factors which contribute and maintain the effectiveness of parenting skills. Methods: A total of 41 primary caregivers were enrolled. All of them had children between 2-15 years old to care for. Enrolled participants had to complete PPT (parent practice test), home situation questionnaire (HSQ) and the oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) part in Swanson, Nolan and Pelham short form (SNAP-IV) questionnaire and were interviewed with the researchers prior to the program, at week 8, week 24 and week 54. They had to join PMT group which was conducted for 3 hours each week for 7 consecutive weeks. Result: The means scores of PPT which measured parenting skills outcome had increased significantly from the baseline and still maintained up to one year while HSQ scores, HSQ troublesome situations and SNAP-IV scores which measured troublesome home situations and disruptive child behaviors, respectively had decreased significantly from baseline and also maintained up to one year. Gender of the children, family income, educational level of the caregivers, activity hours and staying hours showed correlation effects to PPT scores, HSQ scores, HSQ situations and SNAP-IV scores at least p-value <0.05. Overall, sixty- six percent of caregivers who had consistently and continually practiced PMT in correct techniques and appropriate manners had the most benefits while the rest had limited benefits. Conclusion: PMT showed the most immediate benefits and modest benefits in long term up to one year in caregivers who had continually practiced PMT techniques with the correct techniques and appropriate manners. PMT had limited outcomes in families which had depressive primary caregivers, inconsistent parenting style, mal-practicing caregivers, low income, low parent-child activity hours, low parent-child staying hours and low parental education. In terms of child factors, PMT had limited effects in untreated ADHD, adolescent conduct disorder and Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD NOS) children. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 13 (1): January ‐ June 2012: XX XX.