A recent study explored the correlation between different parenting approaches and the mental well-being of both parents and children. The research involved 1,027 parents, predominantly mothers (85 percent), who were surveyed regarding their parenting styles and their children aged between 2 to 18 years.
The study identified two key parenting practices associated with enhanced mental health outcomes:
1. Collaborative parenting (definition: distributing parenting responsibilities and caregiving tasks in an equitable manner that satisfies both partners)
2. Regulated parenting (definition: establishing consistent routines, enforcing clear boundaries, and providing appropriate support tailored to the children’s developmental stages)
The findings revealed that collaborative parenting was linked to reduced symptoms of parental depression across all age groups of children. Moreover, this approach was associated with decreased behavioral and emotional issues in children aged 2 to 5 years, although this effect was not observed in older children. Collaborative parenting also correlated with lower levels of irritability in adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. On the other hand, regulated parenting was connected to decreased behavioral problems in children aged 2 to 5 years.
Study Limitations
Several limitations were noted in this research. Firstly, it was a correlational study, indicating that the causative relationship between collaborative parenting, regulated parenting, and the observed positive outcomes remains unclear. Another concern is that the study only looked at homes with two parents, so it’s hard to say how relevant the results are to families with just one parent or other types of family configurations. Lastly, all data were self-reported by the parents, potentially introducing bias into the results.
Practical Application
Collaborative parenting demonstrated benefits for the mental health of both parents and children, particularly in improving the behavior of young children. Regulated parenting was specifically linked to enhanced behavior in young children. Here are some ways to incorporate these parenting practices into your daily life:
1. Reevaluate your approach to co-parenting.
View collaborative parenting as a shared responsibility where both parents are equally engaged in decision-making and actively involved in parenting tasks. If one parent typically assumes the primary caregiving role, discussions with your partner on redistributing parental responsibilities evenly can help balance the mental and physical workload related to parenting.
2. Embrace shared responsibilities or take charge of parenting tasks.
For the primary caregiver, relinquishing some control and acknowledging that your partner may handle parenting duties differently can foster a true partnership in parenting. Avoid criticizing or micromanaging your partner’s methods. Conversely, if you are not the primary caregiver, assume full responsibility for parenting tasks without relying on your partner for assistance or guidance.
3. Schedule regular meetings with your partner.
Allocate time for a weekly meeting where you and your partner can collaboratively plan upcoming parenting duties, make joint decisions regarding parenting matters, and organize family activities and vacations.
4. Prioritize consistency.
Consistency is key in both collaborative and regulated parenting. Strive to maintain consistency in the rules established by you and your partner, as well as in your disciplinary actions and positive parenting approaches, such as defining family values and methods to instill these values in your children.
KEY PRACTICES
5. Establish and maintain routines.
Routines play a vital role in collaborative and regulated parenting. For instance, consider alternating responsibilities like kitchen cleanup and bedtime duties after dinner to provide predictability for your children. By establishing a weekend routine that allows each parent some respite and outlines quality time with the children, you can create a structured environment that fosters family harmony.