Abstract
Objectives
Analyze parenting practices related to autonomy, limit setting, negotiation capacity, and parental decision-making and examine their association with child development in children aged 0 to 4 years living in 12 socioeconomically vulnerable peri-urban neighborhoods in our state.
Methods
A total of 528 children and their families were assessed during comprehensive pediatric care visits. Parenting practices were evaluated focusing on dimensions such as limit setting, autonomy, negotiation, and decision-making. Child development was assessed using the validated National Developmental Screening Test. Statistical analyses included frequency distributions, chi-square tests, and odds ratios (95% CI). Ethical approval was obtained.
Results
More than half (56.66%) of caregivers showed significant difficulties (p < .0001) in key parenting practices, including setting clear limits, promoting autonomy, and negotiating with their child. Being older than 2 years was associated with increased risk in development (p < .0176; OR = 3.63). Children who failed the developmental screening were more likely to be exposed to these style of parenting practices (p < .0001; OR = 22.22).
Conclusions
Inflexible parenting styles—lacking a balance of firmness and responsiveness—were found to be potential obstacles to early childhood development, especially concerning the child’s autonomy and decision-making about health and daily routines. Early intervention strategies should address these parenting dimensions to promote optimal developmental outcomes.
Plain Language Summary
Setting Limits and Fostering Independence: The Role of Parenting in Early Childhood Development (Ages 0–4): This study analyzed how family parenting practices affect the development of young children (aged 0 to 4 years) living in vulnerable peri-urban neighborhoods in our city. We focused on four key aspects of parenting. Autonomy: Are children encouraged to try things for themselves? Limit Setting: How clearly and consistently are rules defined? Negotiation Capacity: Are children allowed to express their wishes and negotiate? Parental Decision-Making: How do parents make decisions about their children’s health and daily routines? We assessed a total of 528 children and their families during comprehensive pediatric care visits. We used specialized instruments to measure parenting practices and a validated developmental screening test (PRUNAPE). The results showed a very clear relationship between parenting styles and child development. Parenting practices that do not promote autonomy and involve difficulties in decision-making (especially regarding health and routines) act as barriers to optimal development in young children. Early intervention strategies for children in these communities should focus not only on the child but also on empowering parents to foster autonomy, set effective limits, and make informed decisions.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.