Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to determine the specific aspects of early parenting in
psychosocially at-risk families most strongly related to children’s social-emotional
adaptation to school.
Methods
A cohort study of families (N = 318) identified as at risk for maltreatment of their
newborns was conducted. Quality of early parenting was observed in the home when the
child was 1 year old. Social-emotional adaptation to school was reported by teachers
in first grade. Multivariable models assessed the independent influence of early parenting
variables on social-emotional adaptation.
Results
Early parenting and social-emotional adaptation to school varied greatly across families.
Parental warmth was associated with lower teacher ratings of shyness, concentration
problems, and peer rejection. Parental lack of hostility was associated with decreased
teacher ratings of concentration problems and peer rejection. Parental encouragement
of developmental advance was associated with lower ratings of aggression and peer
rejection. Provision of materials to promote learning and literacy was associated
with lower ratings of concentration problems.
Conclusions
In this sample of families with multiple psychosocial risks for child maltreatment,
specific aspects of early parenting were associated with better social-emotional adaptation
to school in the first grade in theoretically predicted ways. Improving parental knowledge
about positive parenting via anticipatory guidance should be a focus of well-child
visits. Well-child visit-based interventions to improve the quality of early parenting,
especially among at-risk families, should be studied for their impact on parenting
behavior and on children’s successful social-emotional adaptation to school. Primary
care providers should reinforce complementary services, such as home visiting, that
seek to promote positive parenting.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
June 22,
2010
Received:
January 30,
2009
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
