Parenting of Preschoolers during the COVID19 first Lockdown Compared to Routine Days: Assessment via the “Parenting Pentagon” model

• In Event: The Covid-19 pandemic impact on parenting of young children in the U.S., China, and Israel

Abstract

Parenthood is a role based on long-term and intensive investment and interpersonal relationships, characterized by commitment, responsibility, and emotional nurturing (e.g., Bornstein & Putnick, 2016). While the intensive nature of parenthood is perceived as universal, there are various aspects that are mediated by social and cultural contexts (Harkness & Super, 2002). Studying parenting in the Israeli context is interesting in light of the relatively high number of children per family (M = 3.1) compared to other OECD countries (M = 1.6) (OECD, 2020). During the eight weeks of lockdown in Israel, children did not attend their education settings. Without access to their extended family support (grandparents, aunts, etc.), parents were juggling childcare, schooling, work and household duties, and sometimes challenged with financial and health issues.

The study compared parents’ daily behavior towards preschoolers during the COVID19 lockdown and during routine days (six months earlier). We studied parents’ behavior in line with the Parenting Pentagon Model ([PPM] Even-Tov, 2020; Sagi & Aram, 2019). The PPM model relates to parenting within the family unit. It refers to the relationship between primary caregivers and the child. The model specifies five principles of beneficial parenting behaviors: Partnership, Leadership, Love expressions, encouraging Independence, and adherence to Rules. Each principle is important in itself, but the combination of all the principles creates a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts, and allows for a complete picture of parental behavior.

Participants were 522 parents (228 during COVID19 and 294 during routine days) of preschoolers. The parents (404 mothers and 118 fathers) were mostly married (97.30%). Children’s mean age was 56.92 months (SD = 16.60). Parents answered a self-report parenting questionnaire focusing on one of their children whose age was between two to eight years. It included 52 statements and parents were requested to report the frequency of their behaviors on a 6-point scale. Data was collected via the social media.
Comparing the two groups showed statistically significant differences (see figure) A series of regression analyses revealed that, beyond the background measures (parents' age and education, number of children in the family, children’s age and gender) parents express significantly less leadership and love during the lockdown. Parents also set fewer rules. We did not find differences in their partnership and independence support. The results provide a snapshot of Israeli parental behavior patterns during the first COVID19 lockdown. Parents’ presence in their children's daily life is a key influence on children's sense of security and coping abilities. During emergency situations, parents’ own exposure and reactions to stress may affect their parenting behaviors (Gershoff et al., 2010).

Authors

• Dorit Aram, Tel Aviv University
  Presenting Author

• Rubin-Marie Mor
  Non-Presenting Author

• Even-Tov Shachar, Tel Aviv University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Sagi-Arieli Linor
  Non-Presenting Author

• Karabanov-Meoded Galia
  Non-Presenting Author

• Deborah Bergman Deitcher
  Non-Presenting Author