Parenting Practices Research Articles

Unequal homework: The hidden forces of social class contexts and parental self‐efficacy in shaping educational outcomes

AbstractThe Covid‐19 outbreak forced families and teachers to use digital technology to support students to engage in distance learning at home. According to their social class, families’ digital equipment, competences and uses vary markedly, which in turn, impacts children's academic achievement. Social class has also a great influence on cultural and parental practices at home, as well as on parental self‐efficacy regarding supporting children's academic achievement. The present study investigated whether, within a single model, structural factors, including home environment, cultural capital, and digital capital, contribute both directly and indirectly (via parental self‐efficacy) to the development of academic inequalities during homework. As predicted, analyses showed that families from working‐class backgrounds are less equipped and feel less competent in digital technology as compared to families from middle‐ and upper‐class backgrounds. Our findings also showed that families’ social class is a significant predictor of cultural capital and parental self‐efficacy which in turn contributes to educational inequalities in achievement. Future studies should delve deeper into the role of parental practices and their involvement, during homework, to educational inequalities.

Exploring how Positive Psychology-based Parenting Techniques Contribute to Children's Emotional Development, Resilience, and their Ability to form Healthy Social Relationships

This study explores positive psychology-based parenting practices and their contributions toward children's emotional development, child resilience, and social interactions. Drawing from the principles that guide positive psychology, this article explores how such practices as positive emotional support, empathy, and strength-based approaches impact key developmental outcomes for children. Data gathering involved a quantitative research design, where the responses from parents whose children belonged to the age group between 5 and 12 years were obtained. It was both descriptive and inferential analysis of the association between parenting methods and child outcome variables; this includes Pearson's correlation coefficient as well as multiple regression analysis. The hypotheses include: Hypothesis 1: Positive parenting encourages positive features of children's emotional development. Hypothesis 2: Positive parenting encourages children's resilience. Hypothesis 3: Positive parenting encourages good social relations. The three hypotheses listed below were validated: High positive correlations existed between parenting emotional support and children's emotional intelligence, r =.55, p <.01; between parenting emotional support and resilience, r =.49, p <.01; and between parenting emotional support and social skills, r =.52, p <.01. The findings of this study highlight the importance of emotional encouragement and empathy in a child's life. A contribution to the literature base of positive psychology, this work brings its principles into the terrain of parental practices and thus makes empirical evidence of its feasibility. In short, through this study, some important practical recommendations can be laid out for parents, teachers, and policymakers regarding how best to incorporate techniques based on positive psychology in child rearing. It could also be recommended further research to determine in the long term the impact such parenting strategies have and how suitable they are across cultures. It recommend positive supportive parenting that leads to the development of emotional intelligence and resilient capacity and peaceful interpersonal relations in children.

The relationship of parents’ attributes and practices with the promotion of recommended movement behaviours in young children during school suspensions

ABSTRACT This study investigated the influence of parental attributes and practices on the promotion of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) guidelines in young children during a period of school suspension. We surveyed parents (N = 357) who had at least one preschool-aged child in Hong Kong. Parents’ perceived difficulties in ensuring sufficient PA and limited SB were heightened during school suspension relative to regular school time. The time spent by children performing daily PA decreased to 72.5% relative to regular school time. Contrasting with theorized relationships, parents with more positive PA-related attributes reported greater difficulty in promoting PA and SB guidelines during school suspension. The findings highlight the importance of parental support when family routines are disrupted. Recommendations include the dissemination of health information and the development of resources for indoor PA. Multifaceted approaches should acknowledge individual and contextual factors, supported by further research on PA-related parenting within relevant sociocultural contexts.

Validation of a brief food parenting measure for fathers: A test of factorial validity, measurement invariance, internal reliability, and concurrent validity.

Fathers are underrepresented in food parenting research partly due to the lack of succinct, theory-informed, and father-mother equivalent food parenting measurement tools. To address this, we 1) tested the factorial validity of a brief food parenting measure utilizing a subset of items from the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ) to represent coercive control, structure, and autonomy support, 2) assessed the extent to which the brief tool works similarly in fathers and mothers (i.e., measurement invariance), and 3) evaluated its internal reliability and concurrent validity. Participants included 1,071 fathers of children aged 2-6 years and 487 of their co-parents (mothers) from the Fathers & Families study. Fathers and mothers responded to 16 CFPQ items, and fathers reported on children's diets. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test factorial validity. Multi-group CFA was used to examine measurement invariance across fathers and mothers. Internal reliability was examined using Cronbach's alpha and the Spearman-Brown coefficient. Concurrent validity was assessed utilizing multiple logistic regressions to examine associations between the three food parenting factors and children's intakes of fruit, vegetables, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and fast food. CFA confirmed a three-factor model with 11 items, including coercive control (four items), structure (five items), and autonomy support (two items). Multi-group CFA indicated measurement invariance across fathers and mothers. Internal reliability was established. Concurrent validity was strong for structure, but weaker for coercive control and autonomy support. Further refinements are encouraged to enhance items' utility in characterizing fathers' food parenting practices, including in different social and cultural contexts.

Knowledge and practices of parents of school age children towards Helminthiasis and malaria in northwestern Ethiopia

BackgroundHelminthiasis and malaria prevail in developing countries including Ethiopia, where they claim lives, retard physical and mental growth, reduce productivity and contain economic growth. Implementing helminthiasis and malaria control strategies require adequate knowledge and practices of the affected communities. Knowledge and practices of parents of school age children was assessed in relation to risk of child infection with Helminthiasis and malaria.MethodsA total of 398 parents of school age children attending Maksegnit Number Two Elementary School from September 2020 to June 2021 were interviewed regarding their sociodemography, knowledge and practice towards Helminthiasis and malaria. The risk of child infection with Helminthiasis and malaria in relation to sociodemography and household practices was tested using multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsRisk of child infection with Helminthiasis was lower when the responding parent was female (OR = 0.54; CI = 0.32–0.92) and monthly household income was ≥ 2001 birr (OR = 0.39; CI = 0.22–0.70). A monthly income of ≥ 2001 birr was associated with a low risk of child infection with malaria (OR = 0.37; CI = 0.21–0.65). Children living with married parents were at higher risk of Helminthiasis (OR = 2.25, CI = 1.33–3.81) and malaria (OR = 2.71, CI = 1.60–4.58) infection. Latrine with wooden floor was correlated with a high risk of child infection with Helminthiasis (OR = 7.2; CI = 2.16–23.95). While washing with soap after toilet (OR = 0.09; CI = 0.03–0.34) and eating washed cabbage/fruit (OR = 0.26; 0.15–0.44) were associated with a lower risk of infection. Parents who participated in environmental management based vector control were less likely to report child infection with malaria (OR = 0.44; 0.20–0.97). A child living in residual insecticide sprayed house was at risk of malaria infection (OR = 3.16; CI = 1.45–6.92).ConclusionsIn general female responding parent, higher household income, and washing with soap after toilet or eating washed cabbage/fruit were associated with decreased risk of intestinal helminthiasis infection in children. In addition, higher income and participation in enviroinmental management based vector contol were associated with decreased malaria infection risk in children.

The prevalence of suboptimal health status among Chinese secondary school students and its relationship with family health: the mediating role of perceived stress and problematic internet use

BackgroundThe health status of secondary school students has received widespread attention, and family plays an extremely important role in protecting and promoting their health. However, the relationship between family health and suboptimal health status (SHS) among secondary school students and its underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study aims to understand the prevalence of SHS among Chinese secondary school students and analyze the relationship between family health and SHS, and examine the mediating roles of perceived stress and problematic internet use.MethodsThe 2,094 secondary school students (52.6% boys, 47.4% girls, Mage ± SD = 15.74 ± 1.78) of this study came from “2022 Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents, PBICR”. The chi-square test and t-test were used to analyze the prevalence of SHS in secondary school students with different characteristics. The SPSS PROCESS macro software was used to explore the relationship between family health and SHS and the mediating effects of perceived stress and problematic internet use.ResultsThe prevalence of SHS among Chinese secondary school students was 40.7%, and older students, girls, non-only child, high school students, smokers, drinkers, and students living in the Northeast region of China had higher prevalence. Family health, SHS, perceived stress, and problematic internet use were significantly related (P < 0.001). Family health had a negative effect on SHS (β = -0.127, 95% CI: -0.173 to -0.080). At the same time, perceived stress mediated the relationship between family health and SHS (chain mediation model 1: β = -0.109, 95% CI: -0.133 to -0.087; chain mediation model 2: β = -0.098, 95% CI: -0.120 to -0.078) and problematic internet use also mediated their relationship (chain mediation model 1: β = -0.034, 95% CI: -0.056 to -0.014; chain mediation model 2: β = -0.077, 95% CI: -0.099 to -0.055). The chain mediating effect of perceived stress and problematic internet use was also found in this study and the chain path from family health to perceived stress to problematic internet use to SHS was superior (β = -0.043, 95% CI: -0.054 to -0.033).ConclusionsMany secondary school students are experiencing SHS. Improving family health, such as strengthening parent–child communication and fostering positive parenting practice, is critical to improving their health. Helping secondary school students relieve perceived stress and reduce their problematic internet use is key to implementing family-oriented health interventions.

Exploring Brazilian Immigrant Mothers’ Beliefs and Practices Regarding Their Preschool Children’s Oral Health: A Qualitative Study Conducted in the United States

Parents’ beliefs and practices significantly shape young children’s oral health (OH), particularly during preschool years when these habits are being established. Immigrant parents often face challenges in promoting OH due to cultural, financial, and logistical barriers. This qualitative study explored OH beliefs, practices, and barriers among Brazilian immigrant mothers in the United States (U.S.). Semi-structured interviews, guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), were conducted with mothers of children aged 2–5 years. Thematic analysis, also guided by the HBM, revealed four key themes: (1) beliefs about children’s OH; (2) awareness of the parent’s role in fostering early OH behaviors; (3) identification of risk and protective factors affecting children’s OH; and (4) perceived barriers to maintaining children’s optimal OH. Mothers emphasized the importance of proper oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and balanced diets for promoting children’s OH. Despite recognizing their role in supporting oral hygiene routines and care, mothers noted barriers such as limited access to care, linguistic barriers, and difficulty adopting and maintaining healthy OH practices due to work and family demands. Notably, 96.6% (n = 28) of the mothers scored low on the SASH scale (SASH &lt; 2.99), reflecting low acculturation levels, which may further contribute to these challenges. Study findings highlight the critical role of parental beliefs and practices in shaping early OH behaviors and the unique challenges faced by Brazilian immigrant mothers. Culturally relevant public health interventions, including tailored education and improved access to affordable dental care, are essential for enhancing OH outcomes in young children from these families.

The emotional power of educational branding: exploring parental decision-making in South Australia’s preschool choices

ABSTRACT While some research has focused on the implications of choice discourses in childcare settings, insufficient attention has been paid to how parental figures of preschoolers are activated and summoned through contradictory discourses that position them as both rational and emotional. Through a qualitative analysis of twenty parent questionnaires, this paper captures the dynamics of inclusion/exclusion flowing from these processes, and the transformation of the preschool sector in South Australia. Using an affective-discursive analytical approach, the research highlights how language, discourse and imagery are powerful tools that engage peoples’ feelings and emotions within a broader classed, raced, and gendered social environment. Its contribution to knowledge, therefore, rests in its effort to broaden our understandings of the meanings and practices of parents choosing a pre-school for their child, by adding affect theory to what otherwise might be ‘only’ a discursive analysis of the wider macro-economic and political trends linked to neoliberalism.

A family dynamics theory perspective on parenting styles and children’s aggressive behavior

BackgroundChildren’s mental health and behavioral habits are crucial to social development. Previous studies have focused on social learning theory and Baumrind’s parenting style theory to explain the impact of parenting style on children’s aggressive behavior, but findings have been inconsistent. This paper introduces family dynamics theory in order to further elucidate the complexities surrounding the relationship between parenting styles and child aggression, with the aim of informing interventions to reduce child aggression and promote child behavioral health.MethodsQuestionnaire method was used in the study. Simplified Parenting Style Scale, Aggression Questionnaire, Questionnaire of Systemic Family Dynamics were used to measure psychological condition of 455 primary school children.ResultsFindings indicate that parental rejection, overprotection, and system logic positively predict aggressive behavior, whereas emotional warmth and family climate negatively predict it. Notably, family climate and system logic mediate the relationship between parenting styles and children’s aggressive behavior.ConclusionThese results underscore the importance of positive parenting practices, a nurturing family environment, and the cultivation of diverse cognitive skills in mitigating children’s aggressive tendencies.

DE-PASS Best Evidence Statement (BESt): Determinants of self-report physical activity and sedentary behaviours in children in settings: A systematic review and meta-analyses.

Previous physical activity interventions for children (5-12yrs) have aimed to change determinants associated with self-report physical activity behaviour (PAB) and/or sedentary behaviour (SB), however, the associations between these determinants and PAB/SB in different settings are uncertain. The present study aimed to identify modifiable determinants targeted in previous PAB/SB interventions for children. Intervention effects on the determinants and their associations with self-report PAB/SB were assessed across settings. Search of relevant interventions from pre-defined databases was conducted up to July 2023. Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials with modifiable determinants were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were conducted by two independent researchers. Where data could be pooled, we performed Robust Bayesian meta-analyses. Heterogeneity, publication bias and certainty of evidence were assessed. Fifteen studies were deemed eligible to be included. Thirty-seven unique determinants within four settings were identified-school, family, school with family/home, and community with(out) other settings. Ninety-eight percent of determinants belonged to individual/interpersonal determinant categories. Narratively, intervention effects on student perception of teachers' behaviour (school), self-management, perceived barriers, external motivation, exercise intention, parental modeling on SB (school with family/home) and MVPA expectations (community) were weak to strong, however, corresponding PAB/SB change was not evident. There were negligible effects for all other determinants and the corresponding PAB/SB. Meta-analyses on self-efficacy, attitude, subjective norm and parental practice and PAB/SB in two settings showed weak to strong evidence against intervention effect, while the effect on knowledge could not be determined. Similarly, publication bias and heterogeneity for most analyses could not be ascertained. We found no concrete evidence of association between the modifiable determinants and self-report PAB/SB in any settings. This is presumably due to intervention ineffectiveness. Design of future interventions should consider to follow the systems-based approach and identify determinants unique to the context of a setting, including policy and environmental determinants.

How social media are changing pediatricians and pediatrics? – A claim for regulation

BackgroundSocial media has revolutionized the way healthcare professionals communicate with the public, particularly in Pediatrics. With over 5 billion users globally, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have become increasingly popular even among caregivers in recent years. These channels offer unique opportunities to improve public health education, allowing pediatricians to reach a wide audience with evidence-based content.Main bodyHowever, the risks associated with misinformation pose significant challenges to health professionals and medical organizations. In response, new recommendations for the proper use of social media in pediatric health communication should be proposed, aiming to provide a network where pediatricians can collaborate, share evidence-based information, and develop effective strategies for digital communication. With the growing use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and the rise of parental self-care practices, pediatricians must actively curate and share reliable information.ConclusionThis could serve as a new hub for ensuring that accurate, high-quality evidence-based information is disseminated, balancing the benefits of digital health advancements with the ethical responsibility of safeguarding patient care. By prioritizing professionalism, ethical communication, and technological adaptation, the aim should be to foster a more informed and health-conscious community.

Effects of Various Parenting Style on Children at Different Age Group

Parenting styles play a crucial role in shaping children's emotional, social, and cognitive development, influencing their behavior, self-esteem, academic performance, and overall well-being. This paper examines the various parenting styles—authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful—as defined by developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind, and explores how each style impacts a child's development across cultural and socio-economic contexts.Modern parenting is blended with various concerns. An emergingstudy highlights how individual temperament, environmental factors, and parent-child interactions modify these outcomes, underscoring the complexity of parenting effects. This study further explores the significance of adaptive parenting approaches, which adjust to children’s changing needs, to support their growth in a dynamic world. Insights gained may contribute to enhancing parenting practices and informing educational and policy interventions aimed at promoting optimal child development. The impact of social class on the selection of parenting style is also considered in the research.

Parental practices as mediators of the effect of a family-based program on the prevention of substance use among Brazilian adolescentes

BackgroundEvidence-based family prevention programs aims at strengthening family relationships and for reducing substance use. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the mediating effect of parental practices in reducing the prevalence of lifetime alcohol, cigarette, and inhalant use among adolescents enrolled in a family-based program. Material and methodsA cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in Social Assistance Reference Centers of 12 Brazilian municipalities to verify the effectiveness of the Famílias Fortes program. The sample included 1610 participants from 805 families, with each family nucleus consisting of one adolescent aged 10 to 14 years and one of their parents or guardians. The intervention group participated in seven meetings led by previously trained facilitators. The control group did not receive any interventions to prevent substance use. Data were collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Four mediation models were conducted, assessing the effect of the program according to the combined influence of parental practices on each outcome: adolescents’ lifetime use of alcohol, cigarettes, inhalants, and the practice of binge drinking. ResultsThe combination of all parental behaviors tested was found to act as a mediator of the effect of Famíilias Fortes in reducing lifetime alcohol use and binge drinking. The mediation model also showed that the program had an indirect effect in the reduction of cigarette and inhalant use by increasing parental responsiveness and demandingness. ConclusionsAlthough the program did not directly influence adolescents, it effectively prevented substance use by positively influencing parental actions, which indirectly influenced substance use behaviors in adolescents.

Mother's knowledge of their children's oral health

Abstract: Evaluating parental knowledge and practice regarding oral hygiene, feeding habits, and risk factors related to caries is essential, as this projects the parents' outlook toward their children's oral health. Aim: The study aims to assess mothers' knowledge of children up to three years of age about oral health for their children. Materials and methods: The subjects of the study were 90 mothers. Mothers' knowledge was collected after completing a questionnaire including 12 questions about their children's oral health. Results: About 94% of the mothers did not visit a dentist to seek prevention or oral care for their child. 29% of mothers believe that long night feedings with a bottle can cause tooth decay. According to 62.22% of mothers, night breastfeeding and falling asleep at the breast is not a risk factor for caries development. Only 22.22% of all surveyed mothers have heard about early childhood caries. Most mothers (64.44%) do not know that the microorganisms that can cause caries can be transmitted from them to their children. Conclusion: Our survey showed that young mothers need more knowledge regarding their children's oral health. Mothers must be educated and understand their essential role as 'promoters' of good oral health and habits for their children.

Association between parents’ perceived social support and children’s psychological adjustment: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study examined the relationship between parents’ perceived social support and their children’s psychological adjustment.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey study was conducted in 52 kindergartens and 78 preschools in Nagoya, Aichi, a major metropolitan area in Japan. Parents of eighth-grade children aged 13–14 years (N = 1,195) completed a questionnaire. A total of 602 valid responses were received. To accurately assess the relationship between parents’ perceived social support and behavioral characteristics, respondents diagnosed with a developmental disability or who failed to answer the required questionnaire items were excluded from the analysis. Consequently, 536 (89.0%) of the 602 participants met the eligibility criteria.ResultsThe results indicated that the stronger the social support for parents, the lower the scores for externalizing and internalizing problems, and the higher the scores for prosociality. Conversely, insufficient social support may pose a risk to parental mental health and lead to suboptimal parenting practices. Issues in parental mental health adversely affect parenting, leading to fewer positive interactions with young children, increased rates of negative interactions and hostility, diminished communication, and delayed responses to children’s behaviors.ConclusionsThese results underscore the significant influence of parents’ perceptions of social support on their parenting beliefs and behaviors, which may, in turn, affect the development of their children’s mental health. Therefore, parents’ perceptions of social support are likely positively associated with children’s mental health.

Homework completion and academic achievement: A multilevel study in high school settings

This study aimed to test three homework models defined in different cultures on Turkish high school students. HLM analyses were conducted on data collected from 1,229 high school students, considering 19 student-level and 7 grade-level variables. The dependent variables of the study were academic achievement and homework completion. The findings indicate that both variables exert a positive influence on one another. The influence of teacher and parental practices on academic achievement and homework completion in high school students is limited. Respect and support for student autonomy have been demonstrated to have a positive effect on academic achievement. Although motivation is a primary factor in academic achievement, effort and motivation are more influential in determining homework completion. When students demonstrate interest and perceive value in an assignment, they are more likely to exert greater effort to complete it. The perception of self-efficacy in relation to homework tasks has been found to have a positive effect on academic achievement and a negative effect on homework completion. The influence of educated parents on academic achievement and homework completion is contradictory. As students age, their academic achievement remains consistent, whereas their rate of homework completion declines.

The Influence of Sociodemographic Factors on Anti-social Behavior among Children: A Case of Bobaracho Area, Nyaribari Chache, Kenya

Background: Antisocial behaviour among children has become a growing concern, often linked to various family and sociodemographic factors. This study aims to investigate the influence of these sociodemographic variables on children's antisocial behaviour in the Bobaracho area of Kisii County, Kenya. Methodology: A descriptive survey approach was employed, targeting a population of 200 students. A stratified sampling method was used to select a sample of 150 children aged 14-20 years. The Objective: To find out the association of sociodemographic factors with the anti-social behaviors’ children from Bobaracho area, Nyaribari Chache, Kenya. Null Hypothesis: There is no association in sociodemographic factors and antisocial behavior among children in Bobaracho area. The Aim: To investigate the influence of sociodemographic variables on children's antisocial behaviour. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and qualitative interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 20, while qualitative responses were categorized thematically. Findings: The analysis revealed significant factors influencing antisocial behaviour, including early parenting practices, media exposure, inadequate counselling, family separation, and lack of parental care. Notably, family conflict and parents' disciplinary responses were also critical. Key statistics indicated only 95.3% children responded. The gathered data revealed poor parenting (29%), media influence (7.7%), inadequate counseling (14%), broken homes (14.7%), peer influence (11.9%) and drug abuse (23%) influenced anti-social behavior. Additionally, the study showed that children's anti-social behavior was influenced by family conflict, parents' responses to their children's activities, and the discipline applied or not applied. Conclusion: The study suggests that in addition to receiving education on effective parenting, parents, and guardians should be encouraged to monitor their children’s behavior, adjust household conditions to promote healthy child development, and monitor their children’s behavior. School heads who report to the board of management ought to consult specialists when providing advice and counseling.

Parental awareness on myopia prevention and control among 350 children.

To understand the current situation of parental perspectives, knowledge, and practices concerning myopia prevention and control for both pre- and school-aged children. This study was a cross-sectional survey that involved children aged 0 to 15y and their parents. Participants were required to respond to an online questionnaire by scanning a quick response (QR) code. The questionnaire consisted of 25 tick-box questions and was open to response from December 22, 2022, to January 5, 2023. The dioptric traits of the children, the visual status and educational background of the parents, the parental perspectives towards myopia and its risks, and the parents' knowledge and practices related to myopia prevention and control were recorded and measured. The Chi-square test and binomial logistic regression were used for statistics. Totally 350 parents responded to the questionnaire. The prevalence and severity of myopia among the surveyed children exhibited a positive correlation with advancing age (P<0.001 and P=0.004, respectively). Nearly half of parents with myopic children considered myopia did not pose any health threat and could be effectively corrected (P<0.001). Parents who held master's or doctoral degree demonstrated a better understanding of children's vision standards for each age group (P=0.001), and 31.63% of them could undergo initial vision screening for their children during the age of 0 to 3y while parents with bachelor's degree (34.04%) and below (32.43%) mainly initiated the vision examination for their children at the age of 4 to 6y (P=0.05). Parents with master's or doctoral degree also exhibited more rational practices concerning outdoor time (P=0.048) and sleep time (P=0.044). No other significant discrepancy among the different educational groups in additional conceptions of myopia, such as hyperopia reserve, axis length, and corneal curvature alterations. Most parents preferred to employ conventional interventions, such as enhancing indoor lighting condition (80.00%) and ensuring appropriate reading posture and distance (71.71%). The current status of parental knowledge and practices about myopia prevention and control remains outdated and deficient. The administrative department should implement efficacious and adaptable measures to enhance parental awareness and foster their commitment towards myopia prevention and control.

Night Sleep, Parental Bedtime Practices and Language Development in Low-Risk Preterm and Full-Term Late Talkers: A Longitudinal Study in the Third Year of Life.

Background: Studies on night sleep and parental bedtime practices and their associations with language development in populations at risk of language delay and neonatal conditions, such as late talkers and preterm children, are scarce. Objectives: Our objective was to longitudinally examine the development of night sleep (total night sleep difficulties, settling, night waking, and co-sleeping), parental bedtime practices (total parental bedtime practices, active physical comforting, encouraging autonomy, and leaving to cry), and expressive language (word and sentence production), and their associations in low-risk preterm and full-term late talkers from 31 to 37 months of age. Methods: Parents of 38 late talkers, 19 low-risk preterm and 19 full-term children, completed the Italian versions of the Infant Sleep Questionnaire, the Parental Interactive Bedtime Behavior Scale, and the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory Words and Sentences Long Form. Results: Late talkers' night sleep difficulties, such as settling to sleep and night waking, decreased over time, with low-risk preterm late talkers experiencing more night waking and co-sleeping than full-term peers. Parents reported that instances of active physical comforting and leaving to cry also decreased, with parents of low-risk preterm late talkers reporting higher active physical comforting scores than parents of full-term peers. Improvements in parental practices of encouraging autonomy were significantly associated with increased sentence production from 31 to 37 months. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of monitoring night sleep in preterm and full-term late talkers. They also suggest that populations vulnerable to sleep and language delays may particularly benefit from targeted interventions promoting autonomy in their bedtime routines, which, in turn, could support their language development trajectories.

Parental Support in the Education of Their Children with Impairments: In the Case of North Wollo&amp;apos;s Primary Schools

This study aimed to explore parental support practices in the education of children with impairments in primary schools in north Wollo, Ethiopia. The study utilized a qualitative research approach and case study design, involving seven parents of children with impairments and four teachers. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews based on a parental involvement framework with six dimensions. Findings revealed that parents of children with impairments were more involved in parenting practices to support their education. However, communication between parents and teachers was limited, and while some parents provided learning support at home, many were unable to do so due to constraints such as lack of time, misconceptions, and inadequate skills. The study also noted that direct parental involvement in decision-making was limited, while indirect participation through parent-student-teacher associations was more substantial. Additionally, the study revealed that parents did not participate in volunteering or community activities to aid their children&amp;apos;s education. As a result, the schools should facilitate discussions and provide training to empower parents in fulfilling their diverse roles.