There is extensive research linking healthy child development to effective parenting. Children thrive when parents provide not only affection, but also respectful communication and listening, consistent rules and expectations, and safe opportunities that promote independence. Successful parenting fosters psychological adjustment, helps children succeed in school, encourages curiosity about the world, and motivates children to achieve.
Can Changing Parental Knowledge, Dysfunctional Expectations and Attributions, and Emotion Regulation Improve Outcomes for Children? (PDF - 142 KB)
Sanders & Morawska (2014)
In Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development
Examines the conceptual and empirical basis for strategies for improving child outcomes, such as increasing parents' knowledge of development norms, reducing age-inappropriate expectations or dysfunctional attributions, and increasing parents' capacity to regulate their own emotions.
Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development
Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development
Covers over 30 topics related to the psychosocial development of the child, from conception to age 5, and presents the most up-to-date scientific knowledge.
Explore the Tool Kits
Sesame Street
Provides parents and caregivers with interactive videos, print-outs, and resource guides that promote parent learning and engagement. Example topics include autism, brain development, and building resilience.
Father-Child Interactions at 3 Months And 24 Months: Contributions to Children's Cognitive Development at 24 Months
Sethna, Perra, Domoney, Iles, Psychogiou, et. al (2017)
Infant Mental Health Journal, 38(3)
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Learn the Signs, Act Early
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Lists developmental milestones for children from birth to 5 years to help parents measure their child's growth. Includes interactive tools for parents, fact sheets on developmental disabilities, and public awareness resources for health-care and childcare providers.
Strong Families: Tips for Healthy Parenting
National Resource Center for Healthy Marriage and Families (2014)
Discusses the importance of positive parent-child relationships and outlines healthy and unhealthy parenting practices.