Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15516/cje.v24i2.4478
Parenting as an Important Factor in the Optimal Development of the Child Enrolled in Early Childhood Education Institutions
Monika Pažur
; Faculty of Teacher Education University of Zagreb Savska cesta 77, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Maja Drvodelić
orcid.org/0000-0003-2633-5573
; Faculty of Teacher Education University of Zagreb Savska cesta 77, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The position and role of the child in the family have changed significantly over time,
which causes a change in the responsibilities and tasks of parents (Maleš, 2003).
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) recognises the status of the
child as the holder or subject of rights and introduced the term parenthood in the
best interests of the child. Parenthood in the best interests of the child is one that
enables the realisation of all the child’s rights and encourages the child’s optimal
cognitive, emotional and physical development in a safe environment. This study
examines parents’ perceptions of the frequency of parental behaviours that are in
accordance with the theoretical settings of parenthood in the best interests of the
child. The study included 514 parents of children aged 5 and 6 years enrolled in
early childhood education institutions. The results show that parents demonstrate
behaviours that contribute to parenting aimed at the best interests of the child more
often than behaviours that do not support the child’s optimal development. Parents
are more likely to demonstrate non-supportive behaviours with boys than with girls
whilst joint activities of parents and children are more often conducted with younger
children.
Keywords
early childhood and preschool age children; early childhood education institutions, joint activities of parents and children; parental behaviours; parenthood in the best interests of the child
Hrčak ID:
280646
URI
Publication date:
15.7.2022.
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