Parenting, the other oldest profession in the world – a cross-sectional study of parenting and child outcomes in South Africa and Malawi

Abstract

Background Parenting quality is important in child development. In the presence of HIV poverty and life stress, parenting may be challenged and child development affected. Methods This study examines cross-sectional associations of situational factors such as poverty, mental health, HIV status, living with a biological parent, and stigma with good parenting and child outcomes (n=989; age=4–13 years) within the Child Community Care study (South Africa and Malawi). A parenting measure was created from 10 variables comprising 6 child and 4 parent ratings. These were highly correlated. Total parenting score was generated on a 10 point continuous scale, with a good parenting cut off then defined as >=8 out of a possible 10. Results Five factors were associated with good parenting. Positively associated with good parenting were being the biological parent of the child, parental mental health and dwelling in households with multiple adults. Poverty and stigma were negatively associated with good parenting. Using multiple mediation analysis, a positive direct effect of good parenting was found on child self-esteem, child behaviour and educational risks with a partial mediation via child depression and trauma. Conclusions These data highlight possible intervention points. Influences on parenting could be seen through being the biological parent, parental mental health, poverty and stigma. In these challenging environments, health, nutrition, mental health, education, and treatment to keep parents alive are all clearly identified as potential pathways to ensure child well-being.

Perspectives of South African caregivers in receipt of Child Support Grants: Implications for family strengthening interventions

“…The focus group discussions explored the level of knowledge of children’s need for social and emotional care, and the need to maintain open communication between children and caregivers. They also investigated parenting knowledge and skills in managing behavioural problems, the kinds of discipline employed in households, and monitoring and supervision of children, as these factors are associated with improved child well‐being outcomes in poor urban areas in other studies (Gorman‐Smith, Tolan, & Henry, ; Sherr et al, ).…”

Parenting Styles Influence on Academic Achievement of Youth in Borstal Institution in Kenya

“…A cross sectional study from South Africa and Malawi, sampled nine hundred and eighty nine children aged between four to thirteen years and examined child reports from caregivers. Questionnaires were constructed and data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 20), univariate and multivariate regression analysis by Sherr et al (2017).Consequently, the findings showed that being a biological parent was associated with higher parenting scores. Good parenting is associated with increased child self-esteem.…”

LEGISLATIVE POLICIES AND CULTURE ON PARENTING PRACTICES: improving the parent-child relationship in South Africa

“…demonstrates an association between poverty and child outcomes. Poverty has been negatively associated with good parenting in a study conducted in Malawi and South Africa, arguing that caregivers are overly occupied with providing the basic needs of the children that they lack the time and energy to maintain a positive relationship with their child (Sherr et al, 2017). The Integrated Parenting Framework…”