New research suggests parental confidence and competence positively impacts child development.

The study, featured in Wiley’s Journal of Community Psychology and led by Dr Eli Gardner, provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of Kids Matter. 

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The study contributes to a limited but growing body of research that highlights how the relationship between parental confidence and competence can positively impact child development. This is also critical to the practical implementation of our vision to see every child in need raised in a strong family, in terms of advocating for parental support from social services, community organisations and the statutory sector.

See below for an abstract summarising the objectives and findings of the study, and click here to gain full access to A preliminary evaluation of Kids Matter: A community‐based parenting intervention.

Parents living in deprived communities are more likely to report lower parental self-efficacy and wellbeing. Poor parental wellbeing and self-efficacy are known risk factors in the development of a range of health and behavioural problems in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Parenting interventions are key to prevent adverse outcomes in children, however, the mechanisms by which parents learn to understand and support their children are still not well understood. This study evaluated the acceptability of Kids Matter, a parenting intervention targeting parents who are struggling with financial adversity. Secondarily, the relationship between parental wellbeing and and self-efficacy was examined. The present is a retrospective, consecutive case series design study, comparing routinely collected data at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. Descriptive frequencies were drawn to explore parents’ impressions of the programme. Multivariate analysis of variance and regression modelling were used to evaluate associations between parental wellbeing and self-efficacy at different time points. Parents found the programme enjoyable and useful. The intervention led to significant improvements in parental wellbeing and self-efficacy. Improvements in parental wellbeing were significantly associated with improvements in self-efficacy. This study provides evidence of the acceptability and effectiveness of Kids Matter.

We rely on the support of our Family Champions, people just like you, who share our heart for seeing every child in need raised in a strong family. Through a regular monthly gift, you will be able to help us reach more families and make a positive difference to more children. Will you join us? Visit Kidsmatter.org.uk/family-champions/

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