Partners in Parenting: An Overview of the Literature on Parents’ and Nonparental Adults’ Perspectives on Shared Responsibilities in Childrearing

Abstract

The involvement of nonparental adults (NPAs) in the upbringing of children is widely considered to be important for the well-being of both children and parents. However, there has been no systematic overview of parental and nonparental perspectives toward this involvement. This study presents an overview of the international literature on sharing responsibility between parents and NPAs. A structured search resulted in the inclusion of 49 relevant publications. Limitations of the extant research notwithstanding, some generalizations about shared childrearing can be made. However, many issues relating the taboo of sharing childrearing responsibilities remain poorly understood. To break the taboo, future research should further explore the underlying sensitivities.

Does Natural Mentoring Matter? A Multilevel Meta‐analysis on the Association Between Natural Mentoring and Youth Outcomes

“…In addition to parents, caring adults can play a vital role in the educational, behavioral, and emotional development of children and adolescents (Bowers, Johnson, Warren, Tirrell, & Lerner, ; Kesselring, De Winter, Van Yperen, & Lecluijze, ). Relationships with extended family members, teachers, coaches, and other adults increase in importance during adolescence, as adolescents are biologically, emotionally, and developmentally wired for engagement beyond their families, and increasingly gain psychological and behavioral autonomy from their parents (Bowers et al., ; Fruiht & Wray‐Lake, ; Patton et al., ).…”

“My village fell apart”: Parents' Views on Seeking Informal Mentoring Relationships for Their Children

“…Some parents conceded that a sense of pride was operating as a potential barrier and expressed strong views that parenting was their responsibility. Researchers have speculated that stigma (Clement et al 2015) and Western societal values (Bales, 2001; Duffet, Johnson, & Farkas, 1999; Kesselring et al, 2016) play a role in parents' reports of being uncomfortable asking for help from others. Parents from more individualist cultures were more likely to focus on self‐containment and autonomy, whereas families from collectivist cultures focus on interdependence and helpfulness (Keshavarz & Baharudin, 2009).…”

“…Although some studies suggest parents view nonparental adult involvement as a valued strategy for raising children (e.g., Scales et al, 2004), there is also research suggesting significant hurdles to making these connections. In many Western societies, a common belief is that that parents are expected to manage on their own (Bales, 2001; Duffet, Johnson, & Farkas, 1999; Kesselring et al, 2016) without support from a larger “village”—that collective of individuals in their community who provide a network of support (Ichikawa, Fujiwara, & Kawachi, 2017). Findings from a survey of 1,090 Dutch parents illustrate how the sharing of parenting responsibilities with nonparental adults can be a sensitive issue (Kesselring et al, 2012).…”

An Exploration of Youth–Parent–Mentor Relationship Dynamics in a Youth-Initiated Mentoring Intervention to Prevent Out-of-Home Placement

“…To create sustainable relationships, the approval of parents on the involvement of others in childrearing practices is crucial, but parents may feel ambivalent about this. Research suggests that parents tend to prefer involvement of others in activities that do not focus explicitly on childrearing, but assist them in handling parenting tasks or give them the opportunity to exchange experiences (Kesselring et al, 2016). Taken together, the YIM process might start with “high hopes” from all parties involved, but it is unclear how these expectations become sustainable realities in the context of an ongoing relationship.…”

“…Although much research has focused on the role of parents in the development of children and adolescents, the role of other community adults, including family friends, neighbors, and teachers, has only recently been recognized as playing a vital role in the well-being of young people (Bowers, Johnson, Warren, Tirrell, & Lerner, 2015; Kesselring, de Winter, van Yperen, & Lecluijze, 2016). Studies suggest that approximately three-quarters of adolescents have natural mentors within their social networks (Erickson, McDonald, & Elder, 2009; Raposa, Dietz, & Rhodes, 2017).…”