Development of Blended Learning-Based Parenting Program for Working Parents with Infants and its Effect on Parents’ Verbal Behaviors, Responsiveness and Co-Parenting

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a blended learning-based parenting program and examine its effects on the quality of verbal behavior, responsiveness, and co-parenting of working parents with one-year-old infants. Methods: Since both parents were working, the 'Blended Learning' method, which integrates online and offline sessions, was used. To evaluate the effectiveness of the developed program, 43 pairs of working parents, each having a one-year-old child were recruited (24 pairs in the experimental groups and 19 pairs in the control group). Parental verbal behaviors, responsiveness, and coparenting were assessed before and after the eight-week program. The data were analyzed with ANCOVA using the pretest score as a covariate. Results: The parenting program was developed through the following five steps derived from the ADDIE model development process: analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, evaluating. The program lasts for eight weeks and consists of four offline and eight online training sessions. After participating in the program, the parents in the experimental group showed improvement in their verbal behaviors and responsiveness during play interactions. There was no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group on the co-parenting assessment scores. Conclusion:The blended learning-based parenting program proved to be effective in improving the quality of working parents' verbal behaviors and responsiveness.