Asmita Patel, Rachel Calam and Angela Latham
The research sought to assess perceived barriers to enrolment in parenting programmes by different ethnic groups in a deprived inner‐city community. In study one, parents of…
Abstract
The research sought to assess perceived barriers to enrolment in parenting programmes by different ethnic groups in a deprived inner‐city community. In study one, parents of children attending pre‐school services targeted with outreach strategies were assessed using a Barriers Checklist to identify factors influencing uptake. In study two, a larger sample completed the checklist and SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) to test associations between intention and parent‐rated behavioural difficulties. Study one found no significant differences in individual perceived barriers or levels of behavioural difficulty between ethnic groups. In study two, Pakistani, Asian British and African families showed the highest levels of interest in attending groups, and White British and Black British the lowest. There was no significant correlation between interest and behavioural difficulties. Higher parent education was associated with interest. The research shows that barriers to attendance are diverse, and finding further ways of enhancing the uptake of community‐based group programmes across different ethnic groups would be valuable.
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Matthew R. Sanders, Divna M. Haslam, Rachel Calam, Clare Southwell and Helen M. Stallman
The purpose of this paper is to examine working parents' experiences and attitudes and to determine if these differ according to gender. Three areas were investigated: level of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine working parents' experiences and attitudes and to determine if these differ according to gender. Three areas were investigated: level of reported difficulties in parenting and balancing work and family; parental perceptions about the workplace as a context for the delivery of parenting support; and employee preferences for intervention features.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 721 employed parents in the UK were recruited via their organisation and completed a web‐based survey.
Findings
A total of 41 percent of parents reported their children had significant behaviour problems and 85 percent stated that worksite parenting interventions should be made available. A clear preference was found for evidence‐based interventions delivered by trained practitioners. The vast majority of men (86 percent) and women (90 percent) reported they would attend a workplace parenting intervention if one were available.
Originality/value
The need to tailor programmes to the needs of parents is increasingly accepted. This paper analyses the potential for tailoring an evidence‐based programme for parents in the workplace. It suggests that the provision of workplace parenting programmes may benefit the organisation and the individual and increase parental access to services.