Reference: Liu, S., Zhang, D., Wang, X., Ying, J., & Wu, X. (2022, September 29). A Network Approach to Understanding Parenting: Linking Coparenting, Parenting Styles, and Parental Involvement in Rearing Adolescents in Different Age Groups. Developmental Psychology. Advance online publication. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/dev0001470 What do teens need most from parents? Chinese psychologists looked at co-parenting, parenting styles, and parental involvement during adolescence to determine what led to differences in adolescents’ development. Researchers collected data from over 4,800 adolescents, ages 10 to 18, in two-parent families from different regions of China using a national survey. Results showed that the quality of relationships between parents, warm parenting styles, and emotional involvement emerged as most important to the parents’ impact on their adolescents. Building a supportive parenting climate and recognizing and encouraging positive behaviors was more effective and long-lasting than trying to reduce teens’ negative behaviors. The relationship quality teens have with their fathers, i.e., warmth and emotional involvement, is crucial in early adolescence. But as teens transition to late adolescence, the parenting dynamics shift, emphasizing greater need for cooperation between parents in raising their teens. Parents! Especially in the early stages of adolescence, fathers play a crucial role in shaping parenting styles and providing support and family structure. Family interventions in raising adolescents may be more successful by enhancing your and your partner’s interaction. Recognize that teamwork between parents is important.

Written by Jarret Bain B.S.