New Study Alert: Parenting and Mental Health

A recent study sheds light on how parenting practices are related to later mental health for parents and children

Source: Cost, K. T., Mudiyanselage, P., Unternaehrer, E., Korczak, D. J., Crosbie, J., Anagnastou, E., ... & Charach, A. (2023). The role of parenting practices in parent and child mental health over time. BJPsych Open, 9(5), e147.

A recent study examined how different parenting practices may be associated with parents’ and children’s mental health. This study included 1027 parents (85% mothers) who completed surveys about their parenting and their children (ages 2 to 18 years).

The researchers found that two parenting practices were linked to improved mental health:

1) Shared parenting (translation: dividing parenting and caregiving tasks in a way that seems fair and equitable to both partners )

2) Structured parenting (translation: having predictable routines, consistent limit-setting, and supports in place that fit the children’s developmental levels)

Specifically, the researchers found that shared parenting was linked to fewer symptoms of parent depression for children of all ages. Shared parenting was also linked to fewer child behavior and emotional problems in children 2 to 5 years (but not older children). Shared parenting was also associated with less irritability in 13- to 18-year-olds. Structured parenting was linked to fewer child behavior problems in 2- to 5-year-olds.

Limitations

This study had several important limitations. First it was a correlational study meaning that we don’t know whether shared parenting and structured parenting cause these positive outcomes or are simply associated with them. Second, it only included two-parent homes so it is unclear how it would apply to single-parent homes or other family dynamics. Finally, all measures were self-report from parents which of course may be biased.

Translation

Shared parenting was linked with positive mental health for children and parents and improved behavior for young children. Structured parenting was linked to improved behavior for young children. Here is how you can use these parenting practices in your own life:

1. Change your perspective on co-parenting: Shared parenting is not simply one parent “helping” the primary parent when necessary but both parents being equally invested in parenting and making decisions related to parenting together. If one of you tends to function as the “default” parent, discuss with your partner how you can change this dynamic and equally split the mental and physical load of parenting.

2. Let go of some control in parenting or take full ownership of parenting tasks: If you are the “default parent”, you may have to let go of some control and accept that your partner does not always tackle parenting tasks in the same that you would in order to truly share parenting duties. Try not to criticize or micro-manage your partner’s parenting in any way. If you are not the “default” parent, try to take full ownership over parenting tasks and do not ask your partner for help or guidance.

3. Have a regular weekly meeting with your partner: Put a weekly meeting on your calendar in which you and your partner discuss how you will share upcoming parenting tasks, make decisions related to parenting together, and plan family vacations and events.

4. Be as consistent as possible: One of the most important aspects of shared parenting and structured parenting is consistency so try to be as consistent as possible in the rules that you and your partner create and the discipline you use but also in your positive parenting strategies (such as defining your family values and how you will encourage these values in your children).

5. Create and stick to routines: Routines are essential for both shared parenting and structured parenting. For example, maybe you switch off who cleans the kitchen and who starts bedtime after dinner so your kids know what to expect and you avoid fighting with your partner over who does what. You can also create a routine on weekends that gives each partner a break and helps children to know when they can expect quality time with each parent.

   Thanks for reading Parenting Translator! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

   ---

   Wondering how you can support Parenting Translator’s mission and/or express your gratitude for this service? It’s easy! All you have to do is share my newsletter with your friends and/or on your social media!

   Thanks for reading the Parenting Translator newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive future newsletters and support my work.

   Also please let me know any feedback you have or ideas for future newsletters!

   ---

   Welcome to the Parenting Translator newsletter! I am Dr. Cara Goodwin, a licensed psychologist with a PhD in child psychology and mother to four children (currently a newborn, 3-year-old, 5-year-old, and 8-year-old). I specialize in taking all of the research that is out there related to parenting and child development and turning it into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful for parents! I recently turned these efforts into a non-profit organization since I believe that all parents deserve access to unbiased and free information. This means that I am only here to help YOU as a parent so please send along any feedback, topic suggestions, or questions that you have! You can also find me on Instagram @parentingtranslator, on TikTok @parentingtranslator, and my website (www.parentingtranslator.com).

   DISCLAIMER: The information posted by Dr. Cara D. Goodwin, PhD, Parenting Translator, and its representatives on the Instagram account @parentingtranslator, TikTok account @parentingtranslator, website (ParentingTranslator.com), and newsletter (parentingtranslator.substack.com), or any other medium or social media platform (the “Information”) is for educational purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or other advice.  Parenting Translator is not engaged in rendering diagnosis, treatment, counseling, or therapy services by providing the Information, and your use of the Information does not create any practitioner-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Dr. Cara D. Goodwin, PhD, Parenting Translator, or any of its representatives.  Dr. Cara D. Goodwin, PhD, Parenting Translator, and its representatives assume no responsibility and expressly disclaim liability for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction you take based on the Information.  Reliance on any Information provided by Parenting Translator, its representatives, and contributors, is solely at your own risk.  Always seek the advice of your own licensed and qualified medical, mental health, legal, or other professional, and do not disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it based on the Information. Call your medical or mental health professional, or 911, for all emergencies.