Parental Interactions With Latino Infants: Variation by Country of Origin and English Proficiency

Abstract

This study examined variation in mother-infant interactions, father engagement, and infant cognition as a function of country of origin, socioeconomic status, and English language proficiency in a national sample of Latino infants (age 9 months) born in the United States and living with both biological parents (N=1,099). Differences between Mexican-American infants, who had lower mother-infant interaction scores and less father physical play than did the other Latino infants, were associated with differences in acculturation (both parents' English proficiency). Indicators of acculturation and paternal reports of happiness with partner were associated with paternal engagement. Indicators of acculturation were also related to mother-infant interactions. Infant cognitive scores were associated with maternal interaction but not father engagement, and maternal but not paternal mental health.

Television Viewing in Low-Income Latino Children: Variation by Ethnic Subgroup and English Proficiency

“…Many studies have found healthier behaviors in less acculturated and limitedEnglish-proficient Latinos. 10,13,14 Two studies have suggested that either lower acculturation levels or Spanish language preference are associated with less TV viewing. 15,33 Language use or proficiency may reflect different sociocultural contexts including varying access to media.…”

“…10,13,14 Prior work has shown increased television viewing in children of English-speaking compared to Spanish-speaking Latina mothers in children less than 3 years of age. 15 This may reflect the relationship of English language proficiency with varying sociocultural characteristics and contexts.…”

Parenting during early childhood in low-income families: Variation by child gender

“…A recent study found couple conflict to be associated with decreased parental emotional availability, which led to an insecure representation of the parent-child relationship (Sturge-Apple, Davies, Winter, Cummings, & Schermerhorn, 2008). Couple conflict has also been linked to spanking (Black, Dubowitz, & Starr, 1999;Cabrera, Shannon, West, & Brooks-Gunn, 2006) and increased hostility directed to children by both mothers and fathers (Harold, Elam, Lewis, Rice, & Thapar, 2012).…”

African American Fathers' Contributions to Children's Early Academic Achievement: Evidence From Two-Parent Families From the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth Cohort

“…These findings are somewhat consistent with previous research with Hispanic fathers. For example, Cabrera et al (2006) examined Hispanic fathers' engagement in literacy, caregiving, and physical play in relation to Hispanic infants' overall mental development. They found that there was no relation between Hispanic fathers' engagement in literacy, caregiving, and physical play and infants' mental=cognitive development.…”