Culture, stress and the parent-child relationship: a qualitative study of parents' perceptions of parenting

This qualitative research project, based on the principles of grounded theory, has used a series of semi-structured interviews with parents to explore parental understanding of the culture in which today's children are growing up, the influences of that culture on their parenting and the potential impact on their child.

Sixteen mothers and one father whose children are participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children were interviewed. The interviews covered various aspects of parenting and culture. Data from the transcribed interviews were analysed for emerging themes relating to parenting and areas where parenting can go wrong. These themes were developed further through an understanding of the literature on parenting and families.

Analysis of the data suggested several key areas in which our culture imposes particular stresses on parents and, as such, does not support families or children. Prominent areas of stress were time pressures, particularly in the work-home arena, expectations of children to be active and achieving, financial pressures and the impact of consumerism on families.

These data suggest that parents, although holding a very positive view of their children, do perceive parenting as being stressful. This is exacerbated by social structures and attitudes that do not value or support children and their families.