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Help! Parenting in Progress
In a recent survey of 413 parents of infants and toddlers, over half reported
that they needed
help in dealing with stress and someone to talk with about child-rearing
problems. Although
it is not surprising that parenting is perceived as difficult, approximately 23%
of the parents
in this primarily middle-class sample reported that their children had 12 or
more problems,
placing them above the recommended clinical referral score for the Child
Behavior Inventory.
Behaviors most frequently cited as problematic were whining, noncompliance, and
temper tantrums.
Moreover, daily hassles reported by approximately 30% of the parents included
finding baby-sitters
and difficulty managing children in public. Difficulty in parenting increased
with greater family
size; in addition, parental reports of behavior problems were greatest for
2-year-olds.
Information about the type and frequency of child-rearing difficulties provides
a context for
interpreting parental reports of child behavior problems. Given the prevalence
of difficulties
reported in this community sample, the authors conclude that pediatricians
should be informed about
the importance of anticipatory guidance for parents while their children are
infants and toddlers.
0'Brien, M. (Dept. of Human Development & Family Life, 4001 Dole, Univ. of
Kansas, Lawrence, KA 66045).(1996).
Child-rearing difficulties reported by parents of infants and toddlers. Journal
of Pediatric Psychology, 21,
433-446
Wilmes-Reitz Psychological
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