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Developmental Parenting
A Guide for Early Childhood Practitioners
by Lori A. Roggman and Mark S. Innocenti
Contents
- What Is Developmental Parenting?
- Building a Facilitative Developmental Parenting Program
- A Is for Approach and Attitudes
- B is for Behavior
- C is for Content
- Putting It into Practice
- Curricula and Activity Resources
- Assessment and Outcome Measures
- Theories of Change for a Developmental Parenting Program
- Managing and Supervising a Developmental Parenting Program
- Evaluating and Improving a Developmental Parenting Program
- Voices of Experience
- Memories of Lessons Learned
- References
- Appendix A: Parent Satisfaction with the Home Visitor and Home Visits: A Survey for Parents
- Appendix B: Home Visit Rating Scales (HOVRS): An Observation Tool for Practitioners and Supervisors
- Index
About the Authors
Lori A. Roggman, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Family, Consumer, and Human Development, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322
Mark S. Innocenti, Ph.D., Associate Director, Early Intervention Research Institute, Center for Persons with Disabilities; Research Associate Professor of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322
What Is Developmental Parenting?
Developmental parenting is what parents do to support their children’s learning and development. It values a child’s development, encourages it, and adapts as the child grows. Developmental parenting is characterized as warm, responsive, encouraging, and communicative.
VALUING DEVELOPMENT
Noticing the small steps of a child’s development is essential for supporting it. Not all parents value the same aspects of development, and they may have different outcomes they desire for their children.
SUPPORTING DEVELOPMENT
Supporting development involves keeping children safe and healthy while being warm, responsive, and encouraging. These behaviors are linked to attachment, exploration, and communication, shaping social-emotional, cognitive, and language development which are critical for school readiness.
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 central to later school success. | Culp et al., 2001; Estrada et al., 1987; etc. |
| Specific kinds of parenting interactions | Linked with interactions characterized by nurturing and engagement in play and conversation. | Bornstein et al., 1992; etc. |
| Warm, loving interactions | Related to less antisocial behavior, better adjustment, and school readiness. | Caspi et al., 2004; etc. |
| Responsive interactions | Foster secure attachment and lead to continued development. | Booth et al., 1994; etc. |
| Interactions encouraging exploration | Increase initiative, curiosity, and social/cognitive skills. | Bakeman & Adamson, 1984; etc. |
| Teaching and talking; encouraging conversation | Help children learn language sooner and better. | Bornstein et al., 1998; etc. |
| Other regular home experiences | Support language and literacy development. | DeTemple, 1999; etc. |
CHANGING WITH DEVELOPMENT
Teaching parents to notice developmental changes and emotional cues supports their ability to adapt their parenting skills.
FACILITATING DEVELOPMENTAL PARENTING
Support is especially crucial for parents in difficult circumstances. Practitioners need to focus on parenting strategies that facilitate developmental practices for children, even under stress.
What about Parents in Crisis?
Parents in crisis need immediate services that address their basic needs to allow them to engage in developmental parenting since children’s development continues regardless of adult struggles.
Focus on Parenting
Programs for young children often include home visitors who provide services focused on enhancing parent-child interaction and support developmental parenting.
Figure 1.1. Models of Home Visiting
- Child-focused Model
- Parent-focused Model
- Parenting-focused Model
Conclusion
Developmental parenting is essential for supporting children’s development in early years. A parenting-focused model utilizing a facilitative approach can significantly impact child development and long-term outcomes.