BC Council for Families

A position paper of the BC Council for Families

Research demonstrates time and time again that the environment in which children are raised significantly affects their intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development. Environmental factors that have been identified as placing children "at risk" for poor development include: Poverty, low parental education, and low birth rate. Yet the impact of these risk factors has been shown to greatly diminish when children are raised in a supportive and positive environment.

The National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth has found that positive parenting practices act as a protective factor for children living in "at risk" environments. Effective parenting was found to moderate risk for children living in families with four or more risk factors. At the same time, research has shown that negative outcomes for children (such as challenging temperaments/behaviours) are more likely in families with poor parenting practices.

Clearly, the role of parents is paramount in the development of healthy children. Parents who are able to employ positive parenting practices and create nurturing homes and harmonious family life are a precious resource. Unfortunately, parents are not always aware of the crucial role they play. The Invest in Kids Foundation conducted a National (Canadian) Survey in January, 1999. They discovered that only half of the parents surveyed were confident that the stimulation and nurturing that parents provide influence how children grow and learn. Parents knew they played a key part in the emotional development of their children, but reported having little knowledge or confidence in how to positively influence this. The survey found that parents have poor knowledge about social and emotional development.

A society that supports and enables parents in their most important capacity of raising children is making a worthwhile investment in the future of its citizens.

The Council's Position on the Importance of Parenting

The BC Council for Families (the Council) believes that the role of parents is of fundamental consequence to the healthy development of children and youth. Nurturing parents have substantial positive effects on a child's opportunities in life. The Council believes that by providing parents with education, support, and encouragement as they seek to fulfill this challenging role, our society as a whole benefits.

The Council believes that not all parenting styles are equal. Research indicates that authoritative parenting is far more effective in promoting positive child development than are permissive or authoritarian styles. Authoritative parents are actively involved in their children's lives. Parents practicing this style consistently apply such approaches as active listening, encouragement, and disciplinary techniques that facilitate the development of self-control. An authoritative parenting style minimizes the use of manipulation, threats, punishment, and passivity.

The roles of parents change as their children grow and develop. Parenting of infants who are totally dependant, requires different skills that the parent of school-aged children or teenagers. Yet, at all stages of development, children are nurtured by the active and caring guidance of their parents. Parents can benefit from receiving information with regard to their ever-changing roles.

The Council believes that all families with children can benefit from parenting education opportunities that are designed to meet their needs. Parent education is on of the vehicles that the Council sees as fulfilling its mission to "strengthen, encourage, and support families through information, education, research and advocacy". Parent education may be conducted with groups of parents, with individual parents, or through a mass medium; e.g., pamphlets, books, and other media presentations. Research indicates that all three delivery methods can be effective in changing or enhancing the parenting knowledge and skills of participants. Formal networks of people involved in parenting education and support will help ensure the use of effective and current strategies.

As a society, we can advocate for policies that will help parents in their roles. Positive child disciplinary approaches do not come naturally to many people, but they can be taught, modeled and encouraged. We can encourage government at all levels to develop policies and programs that address parenting from a prevention and enrichment perspective. Too often, resources are directed at treatment models instead of being invested in primary and secondary approaches to prevention. Work and family initiatives are essential for decreasing the role strain that parents experience, and for providing the flexibility that families need. Communities that develop and provide ongoing support to parent/child friendly environments are effective in promoting positive parenting practices.

References

Invest in Kids Foundation. (1999). The Parent Poll. Toronto, ON: Invest in Kids Foundation.