Positive parenting by parents of children up to three years of age: development and validation of measurement scales

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the development and validation of three multidimensional scales in which the same 30 items, distributed among five dimensions, measure parents' self-perceived confidence, difficulties and knowledge needs in the exercise of positive parenting during the first three years of the child's life. The content of the scales resulted from the literature and exploratory studies and was validated by experts. The analysis of its reliability and validity, using Pearson's correlations and Cronbach's alpha, was based on data from a questionnaire administered to a non-probabilistic sample of 1011 parents. In the dimensions and items, α-values ranged between 0.769 and 0.890 and r-coefficients were >0.37;p <0.01. It was concluded that the scales measure three variables that correspond to the practice of positive parenting and their use permits guiding nursing support.

The involvement of parents in the healthcare provided to hospitalzed children

“…Orientation and qualification provided by nurses to the parents of hospitalized children tend to reassure parents that they are capable of providing care to their child, who becomes more participative and responsible ( 9 , 15 ) . The presence of parents or companions is a source of protection and security for the child ( 10 , 16 ) .…”

“…There are recent publications in this periodical highlighting the importance of analyzing how parents, caregivers and health care professionals recognize adverse events in the care provided to hospitalized children, showing changes in the organization of health facilities, moving toward a culture of safety ( 8 ) , positive parenting based on the parents' needs, improved clinical practice ( 9 ) , and valuing the testimonies of children concerning their interactions with professionals in order to understand their experience in hospitals ( 10 ) .…”

Role of nursing professionals for parenting development in early childhood: a systematic review of scope

“…Regarding the dimension of promoter of parental role construction, positive parenting covers several attributions of reference adults in child care, which are critical for child health and development. In the first years of life, a child’s brain presents high learning potential ( 10 , 34 ) , which is an opportunity for parental figures to optimize child development ( 10 ) ; however, in some cases, they need support and guidance to play their role properly ( 34 ) . In the meantime, nursing professionals can provide support, articulated with other professionals and social sectors, helping and preparing parental figures to perform their duties.…”

“…Despite presenting validated instruments for the diagnosis of support to parental figures and target of nursing interventions ( 10 ) , the literature is not clear about the role of nursing professionals for parenting development in early childhood, which justifies the development of this study, considering the relevance of parenting development and the role played by nursing professionals in supporting parental figures in this process of early childhood care.…”

DDAA and Maternal Reflective Functions

“…Parental competence refers to the ability of parents to care for, educate and protect their children. They are therefore defined as parenting behaviors that involve an adequate response to the needs of their children in order to ensure the healthy development of children (Garaigordobil & Machimbarrena, 2017;Lopes & Dixe, 2012). In fact, parents can be expected to more likely respond appropriately and adaptively to their child's needs if they have the ability to reflect and understand the mental states behind their child's behavior (Ordway et al, 2015).…”