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Children
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Parenting and Child/Adolescent Development: Current Updates and Global Perspectives
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Parenting and Child/Adolescent Development: Current Updates and Global Perspectives

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Pediatric Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2025) | Viewed by 22714

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Elitsa Dimitrova

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Guest Editor
Department of Demography, Institute for Population and Human Studies—Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: fertility and family studies; sociology of family; social demography; adolescent health; research methods in social sciences
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Apolinaras Zaborskis

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Guest Editor
Department of Preventive Medicine & Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A.Mickevičiaus 9, LT-44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: health behaviour of children and adolescents; family culture in health; inequalities in health; biostatistics (multilevel analysis and structural equation models)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Family dynamics, parenting practices and parent/caregiver–child relationship have a formative effect and long-term implications for children’s health, well-being and socioemotional, cognitive, neurobiological development, also including later stages of life. Family connectedness, communication and relationships with parents and family members also provide important role models and contribute to the development of identity and the adoption of skills and behaviours in adolescence. This Special Issue takes a multidisciplinary stance and aims to collect theoretical, methodological and empirical papers on topics related to the influence of the family type, structure and family dynamics, the gendered aspect of parenting and care for children and adolescents, i.e. the role of mothers’ and fathers’ involvement and parenting practices, and their implications for child/adolescent development, health and well-being; the involvement of extended family members in care for children and adolescents; the role of the cultural practices of parenting in different social contexts; the role of the institutional and policy context, reflected in early childhood education and care (ECEC) policies, family and youth policies and services for families, children and adolescents.

Dr. Elitsa Dimitrova
Prof. Dr. Apolinaras Zaborskis
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • child development
  • adolescent development
  • health, well-being and health behaviour of children and adolescents
  • family type, structure and family dynamics
  • parent–child/adolescent relationships
  • parenting practices and involvement in care for children and adolescents
  • gendered aspects of parenting and care for children and adolescents
  • generational aspects of care for children and adolescents
  • early childhood education and care (ECEC) policies, family and youth policies
  • services for families, children and adolescents

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

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14 pages, 291 KiB  
Article
Relations Between Parental Emotion Talk and Preschoolers’ Emotion Expressions in Low-Income Chinese American and Mexican American Families
by Megan Chan, Michelle Taw, Nancy Eisenberg and Qing Zhou
Children 2025, 12(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010052 - 2 Jan 2025
Viewed by 896
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Preschool children learn to express emotions in accordance with sociocultural norms. Parental emotion talk (ET) has been theorized to shape these processes. Limited research has examined preschoolers’ observed emotion expressions and emotion-related behaviors in culturally diverse samples. We sought to explore [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Preschool children learn to express emotions in accordance with sociocultural norms. Parental emotion talk (ET) has been theorized to shape these processes. Limited research has examined preschoolers’ observed emotion expressions and emotion-related behaviors in culturally diverse samples. We sought to explore the following: (1) cultural group differences and similarities in observed emotion expressions (anger, sadness, and positive emotions) and emotion-related behaviors between Chinese American and Mexican American preschoolers, and (2) the concurrent links between parental ET and children’s emotion expressions. Methods: In a sample of 86 children (age range = 38 to 70 months, 62% girls) from low-income immigrant families (Mexican Americans/MA = 43 and Chinese Americans/CA = 43), the observed children’s emotion expressions and emotion-related behaviors were coded based on a frustration-eliciting task. Parental ET quality and quantity were coded from transcripts of a parent–child shared reading task. Results: MA children expressed more anger and sadness, but the two groups did not differ on positive emotions or emotion-related behaviors. Multiple regressions showed that children whose parents engaged in more ET expressed higher levels of anger and sadness and used more non-feeling state languages than children whose parents engaged in less ET. Conclusions: The results revealed cultural variations in preschool-age children’s emotion expressions and provided support for associations between parental ET and children’s emotion expressions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parenting and Child/Adolescent Development: Current Updates and Global Perspectives)
13 pages, 214 KiB  
Article
Managing Major Life Changes: An Exploratory Study Using the Bridges Transitions Framework to Help Foster Youth Prepare for Discharge
by Ande A. Nesmith
Children 2025, 12(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010022 - 26 Dec 2024
Viewed by 816
Abstract
Background: Adolescents in foster care endure frequent disruptive transitions, often culminating in discharge to independent living rather than reunification or adoption. Former foster youth fare poorly once on their own, with high rates of homelessness and social disconnection. This study explored the use [...] Read more.
Background: Adolescents in foster care endure frequent disruptive transitions, often culminating in discharge to independent living rather than reunification or adoption. Former foster youth fare poorly once on their own, with high rates of homelessness and social disconnection. This study explored the use of the Bridges Transitions Framework near the end of placement to help youth cope with the transition to adulthood. Methods: In this exploratory study, the framework was integrated into a foster agency’s programming; then, we assessed outcomes using administrative data and youth interviews. Thirty-five youth participated. Status of employment, education, and social support was collected 18 months after exposure to the framework. Results: The participants reported moderate to high levels of social support, which is often limited or absent among foster care leavers. Relative to rates reported in state-level foster care data, participants had substantially higher rates of school enrollment after discharge. With very few empirically assessed models available for this population that specifically address internal coping with such substantial life changes, the Transitions Framework offers a tool that may help foster youth navigate aging out of care. Securing lasting and meaningful social support and employment and completing education remain elusive for former foster youth. Conclusions: To confirm the utility of the Transitions Framework, it is recommended to assess it with a large sample and matched comparison group over time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parenting and Child/Adolescent Development: Current Updates and Global Perspectives)
14 pages, 238 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Parental Monitoring on Exposure to Multiple Substances and Bullying in Croatian Students
by Maja Valentic, Luka Simetin, Dijana Mayer, Filip Simetin and Ivana Pavic
Children 2024, 11(11), 1292; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111292 - 25 Oct 2024
Viewed by 895
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a critical period for experimenting with a wide range of risky behaviors, which are often influenced by family dynamics, including parental monitoring. This study aims to analyze the patterns of exposure to multiple substances and bullying among Croatian students by [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a critical period for experimenting with a wide range of risky behaviors, which are often influenced by family dynamics, including parental monitoring. This study aims to analyze the patterns of exposure to multiple substances and bullying among Croatian students by age and gender in 2022 and examine the association of exposure to multiple substances and bullying with maternal and paternal monitoring. Methods: The data were obtained from the 2022 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study conducted in Croatia among students aged 11, 13, and 15. Two multinomial logistic regressions were performed separately by age and gender. Results: Exposure to multiple instances of bullying is more common among boys than girls in all three age groups, while exposure to multiple substances varies depending on age. The analysis revealed the strong protective effect of maternal monitoring against both substance use and bullying. Paternal monitoring showed less consistent effects but still indicated that lower paternal monitoring was associated with higher exposure to multiple substances and bullying, particularly at age 13. Conclusions: The patterns of multiple substance use and bullying vary by gender and age, emphasizing the need for tailored intervention strategies. Programs that strengthen parental monitoring, particularly maternal monitoring, should be prioritized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parenting and Child/Adolescent Development: Current Updates and Global Perspectives)
15 pages, 230 KiB  
Article
Parenting in the Face of Trauma: Music Therapy to Support Parent–Child Dyads Affected by War and Displacement
by Tamar Hadar
Children 2024, 11(10), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11101269 - 20 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2450
Abstract
Background: The literature highlights the profound psychological impact of war on children, families, and communities, emphasizing the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other symptoms among affected individuals. Interventions, such as Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and music therapy, show promise in mitigating [...] Read more.
Background: The literature highlights the profound psychological impact of war on children, families, and communities, emphasizing the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other symptoms among affected individuals. Interventions, such as Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and music therapy, show promise in mitigating trauma effects, underscoring the need for holistic approaches that address familial and community dynamics alongside individual well-being. Methods: Aiming to explore the influences of dyadic music therapy sessions on parents’ capacity to support their children, this study involved four families displaced from their home-kibbutz as result of a terrorist attack. All dyads participated in music therapy sessions with a focus on parent–child interactions and trauma processing (CPP informed). Embedded in a qualitative, phenomenological approach, the research utilized interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and micro-analytic methods to explore meaningful moments in the music therapy sessions. Results: Findings identified four central categories: (1) Discovering the child’s grounding song: identifying resources; (2) Musical improvisation sets the grounds for parent–child mutual recognition of the child’s traumatic experience; (3) Musical performance empowers child and parent; (4) A sense of agency is gained through controlling the musical environment. Conclusions: The significance of restoring the children’s freedom of play, the parents’ sense of competency, and of enhancing families’ capacity to connect to their traumatic experiences through the musical environment is discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parenting and Child/Adolescent Development: Current Updates and Global Perspectives)
22 pages, 2562 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Mandatory Homeschooling during COVID-19 Had Compounding Mental Health Effects on Parents and Children
by Lucretia V. M. Groff, Mariam M. Elgendi, Sherry H. Stewart and Storm Hélène Deacon
Children 2024, 11(9), 1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11091072 - 31 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2386
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Most studies have linked mandatory homeschooling during COVID-19 to mental health harm in parents and children, while a minority have found non-significant or beneficial effects. Past studies have not measured mandatory homeschooling continuously over an extended period; consequently, they could not capture [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Most studies have linked mandatory homeschooling during COVID-19 to mental health harm in parents and children, while a minority have found non-significant or beneficial effects. Past studies have not measured mandatory homeschooling continuously over an extended period; consequently, they could not capture compounding mental health effects, which may explain conflicting results. We asked whether children’s cumulative time spent homeschooled during COVID-19 school closure mandates caused compounding harm for parent and child mental health, and whether parent employment, child internet access and educational support from schools (live and pre-recorded online classes, home learning packs) impacted this relationship. We aimed to identify the families at greatest risk of mental health harm during mandatory homeschooling and the educational support that may have mitigated this risk. Methods: Couples completed retrospective, cross-sectional survey questionnaires assessing parent depression, anxiety and stress, child internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and the family’s homeschooling experience. Data were analyzed using mediation analysis total effects, ordinary least squares regression and simple slopes analysis. Results: Both parents and children experienced compounding mental health harm during mandatory homeschooling. Live online classes protected parents and children, while home learning packs protected children. Unexpectedly, reliable internet access and the employment of both parents placed children at greater risk. Conclusions: Findings suggest that long-term mandatory homeschooling during COVID-19 placed families at greater risk of mental health harm. To protect family mental health during homeschooling mandates, schools should provide children with evidence-based educational support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parenting and Child/Adolescent Development: Current Updates and Global Perspectives)
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24 pages, 278 KiB  
Article
Family Dynamics, Socioeconomic Hardships, and Health Risk Behaviours of Bulgarian Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Elitsa Dimitrova and Anna Alexandrova-Karamanova
Children 2024, 11(8), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11081016 - 20 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1812
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aims to explore family dynamics and the economic hardships experienced by families during the COVID-19 pandemic and their associations with adolescents’ health risk behaviours (HRBs). Methods: Based on a representative study of adolescents aged 11–16 conducted in Bulgaria during the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aims to explore family dynamics and the economic hardships experienced by families during the COVID-19 pandemic and their associations with adolescents’ health risk behaviours (HRBs). Methods: Based on a representative study of adolescents aged 11–16 conducted in Bulgaria during the COVID-19 pandemic and HBSC data from the pre-pandemic period, logistic regression models were applied, assessing cigarette smoking, vaping, alcohol use, drunkenness, and cannabis use. The independent variables included demographics, Family Affluence Scale (FAS III), family structure, ease of communication with parents, and the authors’ developed questions on parents’ income and economic status change, family conflicts, and missing contact with extended family due to the pandemic. Results: Material status of the family showed increasing differentials in adolescents’ HRBs during the pandemic. Parental unemployment, income reduction, and temporary lay-offs were associated with a higher risk of substance use. Family conflicts, missing contact with extended family, and difficulties in communication with the mother were related to a higher risk of substance use. Communication with the father was significantly associated with alcohol use and drunkenness. Boys had lower odds of vaping and higher odds of alcohol use, drunkenness, and cannabis use. Higher age and minority status were associated with an increase in adolescents’ HRBs. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for special family-focused interventions in times of health and economic crises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parenting and Child/Adolescent Development: Current Updates and Global Perspectives)
17 pages, 774 KiB  
Article
Who Benefits Most from the Family Education and Support Program in Cape Verde? A Cluster Analysis
by Adriana Correia, Cátia Martins, Rita dos Santos, Victoria Hidalgo, Saúl Neves de Jesus and Cristina Nunes
Children 2024, 11(7), 782; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11070782 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1321
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Child parenting programs can enhance parental skills, prevent future issues in child development, and improve children’s quality of life. The present research aimed to study the changes promoted by the Family Education and Support Program (FAF) implemented in Cape Verde, regarding parental [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Child parenting programs can enhance parental skills, prevent future issues in child development, and improve children’s quality of life. The present research aimed to study the changes promoted by the Family Education and Support Program (FAF) implemented in Cape Verde, regarding parental educational practices, perceived parental efficacy, and attitudes and beliefs of Cape Verdean parents. Methods: To this end, 37 participants were evaluated through a pretest-postest design. The evaluated dimensions were perceived parental competence, parenting practices, Parental attitudes and beliefs, mental health and perceived child quality of life. Results: A cluster analysis was conducted, distinguishing two groups. Both groups benefited from the program. Cluster 1 reported more significant gains in dimensions of parental efficacy and satisfaction, inadequate expectations, affection and support, and reactivity, while cluster 2 showed a greater difference in regulation and reactivity. Conclusions: Overall, the FAF intervention contributed to an increase in positive parenting practices. By analyzing potential underlying profiles in the change process, this study suggests that there are participants who benefit more than others from the intervention, and this information may be relevant for professionals and researchers in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parenting and Child/Adolescent Development: Current Updates and Global Perspectives)
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26 pages, 1693 KiB  
Article
Adaptation of the Coparenting Relationship Scale Questionnaire to Spanish Parents with Offspring
by Dolores Seijo, Francisca Fariña, María Paula Fernández and Ramón Arce
Children 2024, 11(5), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050535 - 30 Apr 2024
Viewed by 2063
Abstract
The scientific literature supports that practicing positive coparenting leads to the healthy development of children. Consequently, professional interest in parenting and coparenting has experienced significant growth, and evaluating coparenting is crucial in family psychology for establishing action protocols in clinical practice. An instrument [...] Read more.
The scientific literature supports that practicing positive coparenting leads to the healthy development of children. Consequently, professional interest in parenting and coparenting has experienced significant growth, and evaluating coparenting is crucial in family psychology for establishing action protocols in clinical practice. An instrument highly regarded within the scientific community for evaluating coparenting dynamics is The Coparenting Relationship Scale (CRS). This research aims to achieve two objectives: first, to adapt the CRS for the Spanish population of both engaged and separated/divorced parents and to ascertain its reliability, validity, and factorial invariance psychometric properties; second, to assess the effectiveness of the total coparenting measure in categorizing sample participants. A cross-sectional non-experimental investigation was conducted to address these objectives. The first objective was answered by conducting an instrumental study, and the second by an exploratory study using classification techniques and a causal-comparative study using multivariate inferential methods. It was concluded that the model comprising 20 items across two factors, Positive Coparenting and Negative Perception of Coparenting, is the simplest and best fit for the Spanish parent sample; it is invariant regarding gender and marital status, and the measures derived from each factor demonstrate reliability and convergent and discriminant validity. The resulting questionnaire for Spanish parents is named CRS-SEg-S&D. The Coparental Vitality measure calculated using the total weighted measure of CRS-SEg-S&D allows the sample of participants to be divided into three differentiated clusters called Coparental Robustness, Moderate Coparenting, and Coparenting Rickets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parenting and Child/Adolescent Development: Current Updates and Global Perspectives)
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14 pages, 2091 KiB  
Systematic Review
Systematic Review of Psychosocial Risk and Protective Factors in Children Reported from Developmental Criminology
by Daniela Zúñiga, Francesco Carretta, Macarena Contreras, Erica Cornejo, Constanza Gallardo, Isidora Guichapani and Constansa Muñoz
Children 2024, 11(8), 974; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11080974 - 13 Aug 2024
Viewed by 7125
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Evidence indicates that persistent transgressive behaviors often begin early in development and increase around age twelve, and warns that children who exhibit transgressive behaviors in childhood or early adolescence tend to develop criminal behaviors in adulthood which makes childhood a critical unit [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Evidence indicates that persistent transgressive behaviors often begin early in development and increase around age twelve, and warns that children who exhibit transgressive behaviors in childhood or early adolescence tend to develop criminal behaviors in adulthood which makes childhood a critical unit of analysis for timely intervention. The study examines risk and protective factors in childhood related to illegal behavior, through the perspective of developmental criminology. The observation of risk and protective factors in early stages allows us to design interventions that prevent social adjustment problems in children from becoming more complex by maintaining the transgression of social norms over time. Factors identified by developmental criminology can be organized according to ecological systems theory and discussed in relation to previous criminological studies. Methods: Using a systematic review based on the PRISMA method, the study identifies 24 updated developmental criminology articles that study early protective factors between birth and age twelve. Result: Risk factors at the individual level include biological, socioemotional, behavioral, symptomatic aspects and adverse life experiences. Individual protective factors include cognitive, socioemotional, and personality development aspects. Risk factors at an interpersonal and contextual level are related to family, school, peers, socioeconomic situation and governance. Conclusions: This review highlights the importance of recognizing risk and protective factors in child development, contemplating interventions at multiple levels where an articulation between the various institutions involved in child care is possible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parenting and Child/Adolescent Development: Current Updates and Global Perspectives)
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