What do parents feel they need? Implications of parents' perspectives for the facilitation of parenting programmes

Abstract

This paper is based upon in-depth interview studies with a range of parents and explores their beliefs, expectations and experiences of parenting support. Three dominant ways in which parents viewed parenting education are identified. The implications of these conceptual categories or 'models' of parenting support are discussed in terms of their impact on parents' approaches to parenting education and the quality of the outcomes. These interpretations raise questions about the nature and impact of parenting support. As such, they have significant implications for the development and delivery of future parenting provision.

Extending transformational leadership theory to parenting and adolescent health behaviours: an integrative and theoretical review

“…Although existing parenting programmes and interventions typically vary in philosophy and content (i.e., delivery methods and specific outcomes of interest), the ideology underpinning most parenting programmes is to help parents to understand the effects of their behaviour on their children, and to help them feel empowered and confident in their parenting roles (Gaze, 1997;Miller & Sambell, 2003). Consistent with the theory surrounding transformational leadership interventions (cf.…”

Telephone support for parenting: an evaluation of Parentline Plus

“…Equally, the majority of calls were judged by the research team to have been handled well or adequately. Other evaluations of parenting support (for example, Miller and Sambell, 2002) have indicated the importance for parents of not feeling judged, and of gaining a perspective on problems by realising that others have shared similar experiences. These factors were illustrated in the comments of callers to Parentline Plus, and in their appreciation of reassurance by call takers that, 'I was doing the right thing,' or that 'we've all been there.'…”

Fathers' Involvement in Sure Start: What Do Fathers and Mothers Perceive as the Benefits?

“…The acknowledged growth of interest in parenting in England in recent years (Featherstone 2004;Lewis and Lamb 2007;Miller and Sambell 2003) is evidenced by the plethora of government initiatives and policy frameworks targeted at supporting parents and families, principal amongst which are Sure Start, children's centres, 'Every Child Matters' (Department for Education and Skills (DfES) 2004) and the 'Children's Plan' (Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) 2007). The policy framework 'Supporting Families' (1998) introduced by the New Labour government stated that wherever possible, government should offer support to all parents so that they can better support children.…”