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Developmental Parenting
A Guide for Early Childhood Practitioners
Lori A. Roggman and Mark S. Innocenti
What Is Developmental Parenting?
Developmental parenting is what parents do to support their children’s learning and development. It is warm, responsive, encouraging, and communicative. This approach values a child’s development and adapts as children grow.
Valuing Development
It is essential for parents to notice all the small steps of a child’s development. Noticing these small steps allows parents to respond and support their child’s further development.
Supporting Development
Keeping children safe and healthy is the first priority. Research shows warmth, responsiveness, encouragement, and communication from parents are essential for positive outcomes in children’s early development.
Table 1.1: What is the scientific evidence for developmental parenting?
| Early developmental supports | Research findings | References |
|---|---|---|
| General parent-child interactions | Influence child development in social-emotional, language, and cognitive domains important for future success. | Culp et al., 2001; Estrada et al., 1987; Fewell & Deutscher, 2002; Gardner et al., 2003; Hubbs-Tait et al., 2002; Lee et al., 2002; Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000 |
| Specific parenting interactions | Linked with children’s social-emotional, language, and cognitive development. | Bornstein et al., 1992; Estrada et al., 1987; Hart & Risley, 1995; Kelly et al., 1996; NICHD Early Child Care Research Network, 1999 |
| Warm, loving interactions | Results in less antisocial behavior, better adjustment, more compliance, and better school readiness. | Caspi et al., 2004; Dodici et al., 2003; Estrada et al., 1987; MacDonald, 1992; Sroufe et al., 1990 |
| Responsive interactions | Fosters secure attachment, leading to continuing social, cognitive, and language development. | Booth et al., 1994; Bornstein & Tamis-LeMonda, 1989; De Wolff & van Ijzendoorn, 1997; Easterbrooks et al., 2000; Kochanska, 1995; |
| Interactions encouraging exploration | Increases initiative, curiosity, creativity in play, and developing social and cognitive skills. | Bakeman & Adamson, 1984; Landry et al., 1996; Smith et al., 1996 |
| Teaching and talking; encouraging conversation | Helps children learn language sooner and better. | Bornstein et al., 1998; Hart & Risley, 1995; Snow, 1983 |
| Other regular home experiences | Supports language and early literacy. | DeTemple, 1999; Dickinson et al., 1999; Snow, 1983; Snow & RAND Reading Study Group, 2002 |
What is a Facilitative Approach?
A facilitative approach makes developmental parenting easier by emphasizing child development and the parenting behaviors that support it.
Characteristics of the Facilitative Approach
- Emphasizes child development.
- Focuses on parent-child interactions that support development.
- Uses strategies that assess and expand family strengths.
- Aims to simplify developmental parenting.
Conclusion
Developmental parenting is crucial for children's development in their early years to support their success in school and beyond. Facilitators must adopt a parenting-focused program model and employ facilitative behaviors and content.