Parenting practices among immigrant parents: Evidence from the Better Beginnings, Better Futures initiative
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Abstract
The present study examined data from the Better Beginnings, Better Futures initiative, a Canadian study focusing on low-income children. Research questions focused on the parenting practices used by immigrant and non-immigrant parents of young children. Secondary data were analyzed to determine whether differences existed in global and specific parenting practices in three waves of data collection points. Independent t-tests were conducted to determine differences between immigrant and non-immigrant parents, as well as, new and old immigrant parents, on positive interactions, hostile discipline, and inconsistent discipline parenting practices. Relationships between age, education, and parenting practices were also analyzed. Results demonstrated that immigrant and non-immigrant parents differed significantly in their use of ineffective parenting practices, which was sometimes related to parental age and educational level. Application of the results in clinical and educational settings, and future directions of the research on the parenting practices of immigrant parents are discussed.