The connection between negative parenting practices and externalized behaviour problems among children entering kindergarten: the mitigating effect of the other parent’s positive practices
Research Framework: Studying the impact of both parents’ parenting practices suggests that, just as the mother’s, the father’s parenting practices make a positive contribution to the child’s social adjustment. However, parenting practices can also be linked to adjustment difficulties, in particular externalized behaviour problems. At a time where both parents are invested in their children’s education, it is useful to consider the mutual influence of both parents’ parenting practices, as regards the child’s externalized behaviour problems, so as to determine the possible mitigating factors of co-parenting within a family. Objectives: This research aims to ascertain: 1) whether the father’s positive parenting practices mitigate the connection between the mother’s negative parenting practices and the child’s externalized behaviour problems and 2) whether the mother’s positive parenting practices mitigate the connection between the father’s negative parenting practices and the child’s externalized behaviour problems. Methodology: The cross-sectional study is based on a subsample of 626 children (of an age averaging 5.6 years) and their two parents. Data was collected through surveys administered separately to the mothers and the fathers. Results: The results of multiple regression analyses show the simple effect of negative parenting practices on the child’s externalized behaviour problems. A mitigating effect of the mother’s positive practices regarding the father’s negative parenting practices is noticeable, however the opposite is not. Conclusions: The study shows the importance of focusing on negative parenting practices, as regards the mothers as well as the fathers. Furthermore, it appears that the combined effect of both parents’ practices could have as high an impact as individual parenting practices on the child’s development. Contribution: This study offers new insights on parental co-engagement and the child’s development, focusing on the mitigating effect of positive parenting practices.