Parenting Practices and Parenting Program Preferences of Chinese Immigrant Parents in New Zealand

Abstract

Participation in evidence-based parenting programs benefits parents and children, but these programs have limited reach. This study utilized a mixed-method design to investigate the parenting concerns and parenting program needs of Chinese immigrant parents in New Zealand. Parents (n = 159) were surveyed about their perceived levels of child adjustment problems, parenting confidence, and parenting risk and protective factors. Parents’ knowledge and experience with parenting programs, and their program preferences were also examined. Eight Chinese parenting practitioners were interviewed about parenting challenges, parental concerns, and barriers to program participation of Chinese immigrant parents. Survey results showed that parents who gave their child higher ratings on behavior problems reported less parental self-efficacy, and more parental adjustment, family relationship, teamwork, and parenting difficulties. Parents’ knowledge and experience of available parenting programs was low. Barriers to program participation included time constraints, lack of program awareness, cultural and language barriers, and no childcare provision. Parents indicated a preference for a range of delivery options including group-based, seminar, and individually tailored programs. Program features most likely to influence attendance were content that addresses personally relevant issues and children’s self-development (such as coping with failure, managing negative emotions, and increasing confidence), and convenient location of program. Practitioners indicated that managing difficult child behavior and maintaining positive parent-child relationships were key parenting challenges. These concerns were linked to cultural expectations about child obedience, academic performance, and parent/grandparent relationships. Findings highlight program preferences that could be offered to meet Chinese immigrant parenting support needs and increase program participation.