The Living and Growing Together Program: Effects on Parental Self-Efficacy and Positive Parenting Practices

Abstract

A number of countries worldwide aim at developing parenting support programs designed to enhance positive parenting practices, and reduce violence against children to enable positive child development. This study aimed at assessing the efficacy of the Living and Growing Together® parenting support program on parental sense of competence and positive parenting practices, well-being, self-kindness, and coherence between parental values and behaviors. The quantitative results, measured through online questionnaires showed that, compared to the control group, the Living and Growing Together® participants reported increased parental sense of competence after the program, improved positive parenting practices, greater levels of well-being, self-kindness, and feeling of coherence between values and behaviors. The qualitative findings indicated that a majority of parents reported improved active listening abilities, emotional acceptance and understanding, use of play to enhance the relationship quality within the family, and finding creative solutions and alternatives to coercive child behavioral control. These results encourage further research on this program and its benefits on child development.