Bently, K.S. & Fox, R.A. (1991, August). Mothers and fathers of young children: Comparison of parenting styles. Psychological Reports, 69 (1), 320-322.

OVERVIEW

This study was conducted to contribute to the literature on early parent-child interactions.

PURPOSE

The purpose was to compare the parenting styles and developmental expectations of the mothers and fathers of young children ages 1-4. Parents rated their parenting approaches 1-4 (1 being "never/almost never" and 4 being "always/almost always") on a questionnaire of 100 items. These questions were divided into three sub-areas:

Expectations. Fifty items measuring parental expectations. (e.g., My child should use the toilet without help.) Discipline. Thirty items assessing parental response to behavioral problems. (e.g., I yell at my child for whining.) Nurturing. Twenty items measuring specific parental behaviors that encourage a child’s psychological growth. (e.g., I read to my child at bedtime.)

This study was based on a preliminary representative study of 1140 mothers. Fifty-two mothers and fathers of 1-4 year-old children participated in this study.

FINDINGS

• Mothers and fathers have similar developmental expectations for their young children.
• Parents tend to agree on how they discipline their young child.
• Discipline strategies may differ between parents.
• Mothers in the sample were more nurturing than the fathers.

CRITIQUE AND EVALUATION

Bently and Fox offer frank criticisms to their study. The specific nature of similarities and differences in parenting between the mothers and fathers and their effects on child development requires additional research with larger, representative groups of parents. Also, the finding that mothers are more nurturing than fathers may be explained by the fact that the inventory was originally developed with only a sample of mothers.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. How did your parents parenting styles differ?
2. Who were you closer to as a child? Which parent was more lenient?
3. Do you think it is important for parents to be consistent and/or complementary in their parenting style?
4. How can youth workers help parents discover and understand parenting styles? Specifically their own?
5. How should you handle a situation where parents are behaving or interacting inappropriately with their children? What is inappropriate behavior?
6. What are some reasons it would be helpful to understand parenting styles?
7. How can you help parents, young people, and even yourself understand this issue better?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Mothers and fathers may have differing nurturing styles. This combination of unique maternal and paternal nurturing creates a richer environment for the young child.
2. It is healthy and important for a child to experience consistent expectations from both parents.
3. To effectively help kids, youth leaders must understand the relationship between parents and children and, in some situations, step into a surrogate parent role.
4. Parents need to understand how styles are different and can be complementary.
5. Understanding parenting styles will help you become a better parent.
6. Youth leaders should study parenting styles to learn how to complement each other and be consistent in leadership with young people.

Jeanette M. Cialone cCYS