Evaluation of the Better Parenting Programme in Jordan

Abstract

This study evaluates the Better Parenting Programme (BPP), which has been implemented nationally in Jordan to enhance parents' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to caring for young children. Participants (N = 337, 94% female) were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group participated in the BPP; the control group did not. Before and after the BPP, all participants completed questionnaires to assess their knowledge regarding key areas of child development, activities with their children, discipline practices, and perceptions regarding behaviours that constitute child abuse and neglect. Over time, participants in the experimental group (but not the control group) improved on parenting knowledge, spending time playing and reading books with their children, using more explanations during the course of disciplining their child, and accurately perceiving behaviours that constitute child neglect. Results suggest modest beneficial effects of participation in the Better Parenting Programme.

Child Development in Developing Countries: Child Rights and Policy Implications

“…A smaller scale parenting program piloted in rural Bangladesh, with mothers of infants and toddlers demonstrated that intervention mothers' knowledge of childrearing and stimulation of support for developed was higher than control mothers (Aboud, 2007). Most recently the results of the Better Parenting Program, nationally supported in Jordan to enhance parents' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to caring for young children, demonstrated program impacts in the area of improved practices in language interactions, playing, and reading with children (Al-Hassan & Lansford, 2010).…”

“…Two prevalent forms of policy responses that have been used both as prevention and intervention efforts to address these issues are services for children and families and legal reform. A model of preventative services for children and families to reduce child abuse, hard punishment, and neglect has been home based with a focus on parenting support and sensitization to the harmful behaviors (Al-Hassan & Lansford, 2010;Daro & Harding, 1999;Shonkoff & Meisels, 2000). Intervention programs are more therapeutic in nature, focusing on reduction of stress and the harmful impact of harsh disciplining practices and violence in the home.…”

Parenting styles and children's social skills as perceived by Jordanian mothers of preschool children

“…With this movement comes social openness and awareness. This is witnessed by the vast numbers of mothers who have since 1996 been involved in local social programmes (Better Parenting Programme) that aim at providing them with the necessary skills to support their young children's development (Al-Hassan & Lansford, 2011). The large percentage of mothers who perceived themselves as authoritative may possibly be a reflection of their involvement in these programmes.…”

Enhancing the child survival agenda to promote, protect, and support early child development

“…[77][78][79]114 Other positive outcomes of parenting interventions include improved parenting skills and well-being, both of which may indirectly affect child survival by increasing the parents' ability to understand their child's needs, detect illness, and seek help. Parenting interventions have also been found to improve the quality of mother-infant interactions, 115 improve parents' knowledge of child development, 116,117 and lower the level of maternal postnatal depression. 72 One of the most promising ways to promote development for the youngest children, including in resource-poor communities, is the WHO/UNICEF evidence-based intervention on Care for Child Development, which promotes child learning and development through play and communication with a caring adult.…”