Parents Of Children Research Articles

“It Is My Responsibility to Escort My Child to School …” Factors Influencing Parental Involvement in Educating Children with Disabilities in Malawi

This study aimed to explore the factors that influence parental involvement in supporting the education of children with disabilities in Malawi, thereby generating insights into the barriers and facilitators they face. We conducted focus groups and in-depth interviews with 25 participants from Nkhata Bay District: teachers, parents, and children with disabilities. We used the COM-B model to analyse how parents’ capabilities, opportunities, and behaviours influence their involvement in their children’s education. This study revealed that parents of children with disabilities showed willingness, optimism regarding their children’s future, and a strong sense of responsibility for their education. However, factors such as the limited knowledge of children’s learning needs, time, low confidence, and financial challenges have constrained their involvement. Schools and communities frequently limit participation opportunities by not consistently practising or championing parental involvement in policies and actions. This study sheds light on the complex interplay between knowledge, practical constraints, and external support systems that shape parental involvement in the education of children with disabilities. Further research aimed at creating tailored and context-relevant interventions to improve parental involvement in the education of children with disabilities in low-income settings is required.

Developing Pre-Implementation Strategies for a Co-Designed, Technology-Assisted Parenting Intervention Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) Approach

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a major risk factor for mental disorders in children. Parenting interventions can mitigate the impact of family-level ACEs and subsequently improve young people’s mental health. However, a substantial research-to-practice gap hinders access to, and uptake of, available interventions. Aim: This study aimed to develop actionable strategies to support the implementation of an evidence-based, co-designed, technology-assisted parenting intervention by understanding potential barriers and facilitators from the perspectives of service providers working with families of children experiencing ACEs. Methods: We conducted one-on-one interviews with 14 staff at a community health service (six managers, eight service providers). A theoretical thematic analysis was used. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided the data collection and analysis of barriers and facilitators. Pre-implementation strategies were informed by The Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) compilation. The CFIR–ERIC matching tool was used to match the CFIR barriers identified by participants in this study with ERIC strategies to overcome these barriers. Results: Fourteen CFIR constructs were identified as facilitators, and eleven as barriers. By using the CFIR–ERIC tool, eleven strategies to mitigate the barriers were identified. Most strategies were aligned to the ERIC clusters Use evaluative and iterative strategies (n = 4) and Develop stakeholder interrelationships (n = 3). Conclusions: The CFIR–ERIC approach offered relevant and concise pre-implementation strategies for addressing potential barriers to implementing a novel, co-designed, technology-assisted parenting intervention for parents of children with ACEs. The identified facilitators support the utility of co-designing interventions as an initial phase in bridging research-to-practice gaps. Healthcare settings aiming to innovate services with technology-assisted parenting interventions to improve child mental health can draw on findings from the current study to guide pre-implementation plans for innovative, technology-assisted parenting interventions to improve child mental health.

Szisztematikus szakirodalmi áttekintés a figyelemhiányos/hiperaktivitás-zavarral élő gyermekek bántalmazása hátterében álló egyéni és interperszonális rizikófaktorokról

Objective: To provide comprehensive knowledge of the factors behind abuse by parents of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Are children with ADHD are really at increased risk of child abuse? Is there a relationship between the onset of ADHD (hyperactive/impulsive-, attention deficit, combined) and the type of abuse? Does parental ADHD predispose to abuse? Finally, what are the long-term effects on a child with ADHD? Method: The study is following the PRISMA guidelines, 32 out of 683 studies were selected in the study sample. Result: The group of children with ADHD can indeed be identified as a risk group. The hyperactive type was associated with physical and emotional abuse and neglect of parental authority, attention deficit was associated with physical and sexual abuse, and custody and physical neglect. Parental ADHD has been identified as a risk factor, too. The long-term consequences were drug-use, in addition to the intensification of ADHD symptoms. Conclusion: We argue for the risk factor-reducing importance of parental education and psychological therapy.

Exploring the journey to genomic testing and genetic services: A qualitative study of parental perspectives of children with rare conditions.

Despite affecting a small portion of the population, rare conditions have a significant impact, collectively affecting around 300 million people worldwide. Historically, early diagnosis has been impeded by failure to recognize rare conditions and order/refer for appropriate genomic testing. The advancements in genome sequencing offer a more agnostic and accelerated approach to the identification and diagnosis of rare disorders, potentially improving health outcomes, reducing the impact of disability, and reducing financial and psychological burdens on families. Due to the complex nature of these conditions, early engagement with genomic testing and clinical genetics services is key to facilitating a diagnosis. This qualitative exploration aimed to understand the journey to genomic testing and services and identify the supports families need during the diagnostic period. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 parents of children with a rare condition. Interviews were analyzed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes of the parent experience were identified (1) the need for a streamlined pathway through the healthcare system, (2) the value of healthcare professionals who listen to parents, believed them, and partnered with them, and (3) the power of accurate diagnosis. Our findings indicate that providing direct and timely access to genomic testing for patients with a suspected rare condition could alleviate psychological and financial stressors. Genetic counselors are adept at supporting families affected by rare conditions and are optimally placed to facilitate timely access to genomic testing. Improving timely access may be facilitated through educating primary care physicians and embedding genetic counselors in pediatric settings.

Parents' experiences of early screening for cerebral palsy: Aqualitative reflexive thematic analysis.

To explore parents' experiences of early screening for cerebral palsy (CP) in three Australian states. This is a qualitative description study using semi-structured interviews. Participants were parents of children who had CP (n = 5), or high risk of CP (n = 10), or no CP (n = 11) at 2 years, and had completed early screening for CP. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes describe parents' experiences of early screening. (1) 'A new, destabilized world' explores how parents are thrown into an unexpected parenting pathway with the birth of an infant at high risk of having developmental challenges. (2) 'Early is best … but not easy' explores parents' desire for information, screening, and developmental support, to be delivered as early as possible, even when this was experienced as emotionally challenging. (3) 'Trying to reach stable ground' describes the resources and actions parents used to move forward and reach a place of stability and control. These included access to knowledge, proactive 'next steps', and supportive relationships with health-care professionals. Parents valued and desired early information and support for their child regardless of a diagnosis of CP. Early screening was most valued when it was clearly associated with practical supports, such as early intervention and access to funding.

The correlation between disease awareness, disposition, and caregiving competency among parents of children with congenital heart disease in selected communities in Vietnam

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate the relationship between disease awareness, caregiving disposition, and competency among parents of children with congenital heart disease. Methodology: A correlational descriptive study was conducted involving 275 parents of children with congenital heart disease across three regions: the Mekong Delta, Central Highlands, and Central Coastal areas. Results: Parents of children with congenital heart diseases demonstrated a high level of disease awareness, with a mean score of 3.82. Their atttitude towards the condition was notably positive, scoring an average of 4.65, and their caregiving competency was similarly strong, with a mean score of 4.36. While no significant correlation was found between disease awareness and both disposition or caregiving competency, a significant positive correlation was identified between attitude and caregiving competency, reflected by a high correlation coefficient and a p-value of less than 0.001. Furthermore, the study revealed that the linear regression model had an r² value of 0.386, indicating that 38.6% of the variability in caregiving ability could be explained by factors, such as acceptance of the condition, recognition of parental role, and support and collaboration with other parents of children with congenital heart disease. Conclusions: Disposition and caregiving competency play a critical role in determining the health outcomes and quality of care for children with congenital heart disease. As such, it is essential to design and implement specialized training programs tailored for parents, aimed at strengthening their caregiving skills and improving the overall well-being of their children.

Collaborative working with Parents of Children with DLD in Speech and Language Therapy: Identifying Dutch Speech and Language Therapists’ barriers to enhancing practice

BackgroundCollaboration between Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) and parents is considered best practice for children with developmental disorders. However, such collaborative approach is not yet implemented in therapy for children with developmental language disorders (DLD) in the Netherlands. Improving Dutch SLTs’ collaboration with parents requires insight in factors that influence the way SLTs work with parents. AimsTo explore the specific beliefs of Dutch SLTs that influence how they collaborate with parents of children with DLD. Methods and proceduresWe conducted three online focus groups with 17 SLTs using a reflection tool and fictional examples of parents to prompt their thoughts, feelings and actions on specific scenarios. Data were organised using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Outcomes and resultsWe identified 34 specific beliefs across nine TDF domains on how SLTs collaborate with parents of children with DLD. The results indicate that SLTs hold beliefs on how to support SLTs in collaborating with parents but also conflicting specific beliefs regarding collaborative work with parents. The latter relate to SLTs’ perspectives on their professional role and identity, their approach towards parents, and their confidence and competence in working collaboratively with parents. Conclusions and implicationsSLTs hold specific beliefs that potentially hinder them from working collaboratively with parents. Appropriate interventions should be developed by combining implementation science and behaviour change science.

The Role of Parenting in Cultivating Environmental Attitudes in Early Childhood in Digital Era

In this digital era, parenting plays an important role in shaping environmental awareness and nature-friendly behavior in early childhood. Children at this time are often exposed to technology from an early age, so excessive use can affect children's attitudes and behavior towards the environment. This study aims to identify the role of appropriate parenting on environmental care in the digital era in early childhood. This research uses a qualitative study with a literature review research method by collecting various scientific sources. This research aims to convey information about how the role of parenting can affect children's environmental care attitudes in the digital era. An important finding in this study is that the role of parents in shaping children's character, especially in the digital era, is very important. Parents must understand the characteristics of children in the digital era, apply appropriate parenting patterns and build effective communication with children. The importance of applying democratic and authoritative parenting, in helping children develop positive environmental awareness. Therefore, the importance of early religious and moral values education as an effort to instill environmental awareness in children. Parents' involvement in children's learning, both at home and at school, is a key factor in shaping environmental awareness in early childhood.

Public Education on Stunting Prevention as an Effort to Produce Healthy Generation in Singkawang

Health problems related to nutritional status in children are still a global challenge, especially in developing countries, including Indonesia. Stunting is a condition where children under five experience malnutrition, which can be fatal to children's health, especially in the early days of life. West Kalimantan is one of the 12 provinces with the highest stunting cases in Indonesia in 2022, with the stunting prevalence rate at 27.8 percent. An educational activity was carried out to improve knowledge and understanding as well as community participation in stunting prevention and early detection programs in toddlers which are expected to directly motivate the community to participate in paying attention to the growth and development of their children so that their growth and development can be optimal. The target of this educational activity is parents of pre-school aged children. This service activity goes through three stages, namely the preparation stage, the implementation stage and the evaluation stage. In the preparation stage, the issue of public awareness of stunting was raised as a theme, targeting parents in Singkawang City. At the implementation stage, the service team collaborates with the Anugrah Clinic to provide socialization regarding stunting prevention to participants. At the evaluation stage, a post test was carried out to find out the extent to which the activity left impact. As a result of this service activity, it can be concluded that stunting is still an important issue or problem experienced by the people of West Kalimantan, including Singkawang. This is shown by the high prevalence of stunting and the low awareness and knowledge of the community, especially parents, about the dangers, causes and ways to prevent stunting early.

Psychological interventions for parents of children with intellectual disabilities to enhance child behavioral outcomes or parental well-being: A systematic review, content analysis and effects.

The aim of this review was to identify the type, content, and effectiveness of psychological parenting interventions for parents of children with intellectual disabilities to enhance child behavior and/or parental well-being. A systematic search yielded 21 studies involving 1825 participants. Studies were evaluated according to intervention content, pre- and post-treatment and follow-up effect sizes, and risk of bias. We categorized the interventions into those targeting 'Child or interaction' (child behavior, interaction and learning, understanding disability), and those targeting 'Parent' (parental well-being) or both themes. All these interventions had positive effects on parental well-being or child behavior. Parental outcomes were improved by interventions targeting 'Parental well-being', as well as 'Child or interaction'. Child behavior showed improvements in programs focusing on 'Child or interaction', and in a mindfulness-based parental well-being program. During follow-up, most effects were sustained or further increased, but some studies showed no improvements over the control group.

What does a consent conversation for whole genome sequencing look like in the NHS Genomic Medicine Service? An observational study.

Patient choice consent for whole genome sequencing (WGS) through the Genomic Medicine Service in England covers consent to diagnostic testing and an invitation to the National Genomic Research Library (NGRL). Little is known about what consent conversations for WGS look like in practice. We audio-recorded and analysed the content and structure of consent appointments (n = 26) between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and parents of children with rare disease across seven NHS Trusts. Appointments frequently covered the potential findings from testing, implications for family members, and DNA storage, but often omitted that data may be reanalysed in the future if a diagnosis is not made. Consent to the NGRL was typically sought during the same appointment; these discussions varied in content, but frequently included a background to the NGRL and data security. HCPs often tempered expectations around what WGS can achieve and asked questions to clarify parents' understanding, but less commonly elicited parents' values and concerns. Administrative tasks were time-consuming, but took less time when consent was recorded digitally. Future training should emphasise how to elicit patients' values and concerns. Digital infrastructure and hiring roles such as genomic associates to support consent may be important strategies to meet the workload demands of WGS.

STRATEGI PARENTING DALAM MEMBENTUK KESEJAHTERAAN PSIKOLOGI ANAK MENUJU KOTA SURABAYA SEHAT SEJAHTERA

The purpose of the study is to analyze the effectiveness of the parenting program strategy implemented by the Surabaya City Government in improving children's psychological well-being. This strategy seeks to create a healthy and prosperous city of Surabaya through good parenting, nutritional fulfilment, and adequate health facilities for children. The research method uses a mixed method combining qualitative and quantitative methods with data collection through interviews and questionnaires. The results of the study show that the Great Parents School (SOTH) Program provides an ideal platform for parents, especially mothers, to learn and seek knowledge about good parenting. The SOTH program provides significant benefits to mothers by providing effective parenting education, helping them cope with emotional challenges, teaching children to socialize, and practising language skills. The program is expected to be implemented in various regions to support child development and better parenting.

Developing a toolkit to support parents’ involvement in child death review: an experience-based co-design study

BackgroundUnderstanding why children die is important for grieving parents and for informing system improvements aimed at prevention and future care. Many countries have child death review (CDR) process, but little...

The associations between child behavioral problems, parents' emotional regulation difficulties, and parental burnout among Israeli parents of children with autism during wartime.

Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face heightened challenges during crises like war, leading to parental burnout (PB). Wartime demands may exacerbate the children's behavioral difficulties, which associated with PB. Successful emotional regulation (ER) is considered a protective factor for PB. This study aimed to explore the associations between the child behavioral problems, parent's ER difficulties and PB among parents of children ASD during wartime. 92 parents completed demographic, Parental Burnout, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation, and Child Aberrant Behavior questionnaires. In addition, 18 parents of children with ASD aged 6-21 were semi-interviewed. During wartime, child behavioral problems and parents' ER difficulties were positively correlated with PB, contributing beyond background characteristics and other changes following the war. Parent ER difficulties serve as a mediation variable and did not function as a moderation variable between child behavioral problems and PB. This study emphasizes the increased vulnerability of parents of children with ASD during wartime, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of how these circumstances affect parental risk and resources. Effective interventions should target emotional regulation and address child behavioral issues, necessitating prioritized support for affected families despite wartime challenges.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward family-based treatment among parents of children with leukemia.

To investigate the KAP toward family-based treatment among parents of children with leukemia. This cross-sectional study was conducted between December, 2022 and July, 2023 in the Pediatric hematologic oncology department of West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University. The study population consisted of parents of children diagnosed with leukemia. Their demographic characteristics and KAP toward family-based treatment for leukemia were collected by self-administered questionnaires. A total of 482 parents participated, including 379 (78.63%) females, with an average age of 35.83 ± 6.40 years. The mean scores for KAP were 7.28 ± 1.13 (possible range: 0-10), 37.82 ± 4.38 (possible range: 9-45), and 40.09 ± 4.17 (possible range: 9-45), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the knowledge score (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: [1.08-2.05], P = 0.016), attitude score (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: [1.18-1.46], P < 0.001), education of junior college and above (OR = 11.28, 95% CI: [1.94-65.65], P = 0.007), and monthly income of 5,000-10,000 Yuan (OR = 10.88, 95% CI: [1.15-102.98], P = 0.037) were independently associated with a proactive practice. Structural equation modeling (SEM) results highlighted the significant direct impact of knowledge on attitude (β = 0.72, P = 0.002), attitude on practice (β = 0.57, P < 0.001), and knowledge on practice (β = 0.81, P < 0.001). Parents of children with leukemia demonstrated inadequate knowledge, but positive attitudes and proactive practices toward family-based treatment for leukemia. Future interventions should not only prioritize augmenting parental knowledge through educational initiatives but also focus on fostering positive attitudes and providing support for both knowledge and practical parenting skills to facilitate proactive involvement.

Impact of dietary counselling on allergic reactions in children with food allergy

Summary Purpose Dietary counselling in the field of food allergy aims primarily to empower individuals to prevent allergic reactions, but its impact on allergic reactions remains unclear. This study examined the impact of dietary counselling and other factors on allergic reactions in children with food allergies. Methods In a multicentre study, parents of children (0–10 years) recently diagnosed with food allergies completed online questionnaires collecting data on subsequent allergic reactions. Data were collected at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months postdiagnosis. We fitted a negative binominal model to the data in order to quantify effects of counselling, time period and multiple food allergies on food allergy reaction rates. Results Among the 48 enrolled children, 31 encountered a total of 85 food allergic reactions. The monthly reaction rate decreased from 0.28 in the first 3 months to 0.07 between 6 and 12 months. Children receiving counselling from a dietitian demonstrated a lower ratio (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.37, confidence interval [CI] 0.19–0.72, p = 0.004). Those with more than three food allergies have an increased ratio compared to those with one to two food allergies (IRR = 6.18, CI 2.75–3.89, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion Individual dietary counselling has the potential to prevent subsequent allergic reactions after diagnosis as it reduced the risk of allergic reactions by 63%. This impact might be most pronounced in the early months following diagnosis. Children with multiple food allergies are at a higher risk of allergic reactions and should, therefore, be prioritized to receive dietary counselling.

Parental depressiveness and children’s emotional problems

This study used panel data to examine the longitudinal effect of maternal and paternal depressiveness on children’s emotional difficulties in two-parent families in Germany. The main purpose was to examine whether the strength of this association differs depending on whether parents or children themselves assessed children’s emotional difficulties. Based on data from 1,586 children from the German Family Panel (pairfam), our findings show much stronger associations between parental depressiveness and children’s emotional difficulties when using parent-reported measures than when using child-reported measures, which indicates a negative mood bias in parent reports. The findings emphasise the importance of taking children’s self-reports into account when studying child wellbeing.

The discrepancies in parent and teacher reports of children's behavioral inhibition provide domain-specific information about psychopathology and parenting.

Behavioral inhibition is a temperamental factor that increases the risk of internalizing disorders. Therefore, the identification of highly inhibited children is of great importance. However, informant discrepancies make this process difficult. In a cluster analytic approach, we aimed to use both parent and teacher reports of behavioral inhibition in order to gain a more detailed picture about children's behavioral inhibition in different contexts and to characterize highly inhibited children. Parents and teachers of 318 preschool children completed a questionnaire, which included the Behavioral Inhibition Questionnaire (BIQ) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Parents also reported their parenting behavior on the Multidimensional Assessment of Parenting Questionnaire (MAPS). A two-step cluster analysis was conducted on BIQ parent and teacher reports, and the resulting clusters were compared on the SDQ externalizing and internalizing subscales. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted separately for girls and boys to predict cluster membership based on the MAPS hostility, lax control and physical control subscales. Four clusters were identified, labelled as medium-low (ML), low-elevated (LE), elevated-elevated (EE) and high-high (HH), based on the levels of BIQ parent and teacher reports, respectively. In the HH cluster, mean scores of the SDQ internalizing subscales as reported by parents and teachers were significantly higher, and in boys but not in girls, mean scores of the SDQ externalizing subscale as reported by teachers were lower than in the other clusters. High levels of hostility predicted group membership of HH compared to LE and EE in both genders. Furthermore, in boys, lax control and physical control were also found to be significant when comparing HH to EE and LE, respectively. Our results suggest that the joint use of parent and teacher reports on behavioral inhibition may increase the ability to identify highly inhibited children at risk of developing internalizing disorders and add to our understanding of the underpinnings of children's inhibited behavior in different contexts.

Parental expectations and perceptions of augmentative and alternative communication: A Sri Lankan perspective.

Everybody has a right to communicate in any way they can, which includes augmentative and alternative communication. The uptake of augmentative and alternative communication in everyday life may be influenced by awareness, perceptions and acceptance of augmentative and alternative communication by caregivers, family members and the wider society. This study aimed to uncover what parents thought about augmentative and alternative communication in a Global South context. Eleven mothers and five fathers (16 participants) of children with complex communication needs were included. Data were collected using an interview guide from a focus-group discussion and semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed using Framework Analysis and from a gender and critical disability theory viewpoint. The key theme found was fear of augmentative and alternative communication stopping the child from learning to speak. The parents wondered if siblings might also use the alternative communication method and stop talking. They worried whether the communication device will negatively highlight their child in society. As parents' views on augmentative and alternative communication influence whether they use it with their child, informing and preparing parents before introducing augmentative and alternative communication to a child and on-going parent training should be considered.

Family Resilience in Families of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Ecological Systems Theory Perspective.

Drawing on Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory (1992), we asked how certain resources contribute to family resilience in families of children with ASD: family quality of life (FQOL; family resources), sense of community and loneliness (informal resources), and family-centered support provided by the state (formal resources). One hundred and twenty-one Israeli parents of children with ASD completed an online survey. Path analysis using AMOS was conducted. FQOL contributed to increased family resilience. Path analysis showed loneliness, sense of community, and services use contributed to family resilience through FQOL. Overall, the research model explained 68% of the variance in family resilience. Implications for research and practice are discussed.