The Development of Prosocial Behaviour in Early Childhood: Contributions of Early Parenting and Self-Regulation

Abstract

This research considers the role of parenting practices and early self-regulation, on children’s prosocial behaviour when they begin school. Data for 4007 children were drawn from Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). The analyses explored relations between self-reported parenting practices for mothers and fathers, using scales for parenting warmth and hostility, and parent report on children’s emotional and attentional regulation at 2–3 years. Teacher reports for prosocial behaviour were obtained when children were 6–7 years. Maternal and paternal non-hostile parenting and warmth made significant, indirect contributions to later prosocial development, through influencing children’s early self-regulation. These findings inform understandings about the intergenerational pathways through which children’s self-regulation influences prosocial skills. Responsive caregiving by parents, and by adults in early childhood education programs, supports the development of early self-regulation. This, in turn, enables children to take greater advantage of the learning opportunities afforded to them at home and in early childhood education programs. Support for early self-regulation can offset effects of child and family risk factors on children’s later development.