Entre-Parents: initial outcome evaluation of a preventive-parenting program for French-speaking parents

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Parenting Interventions
• Family Studies

Background:

• Preschool parenting programs require culturally adapted interventions for broad applicability.
• The "Parenting Our Children to Excellence" program has shown efficacy in English-speaking contexts.
• French-speaking populations need accessible, evidence-based parenting support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the community acceptability and efficacy of "Entre-Parents," a French adaptation of a group-parenting program.
• To assess the impact of "Entre-Parents" on parenting practices, stress, family adaptability, and child behavior.
• To explore the relationship between program attendance and observed outcomes.

Main Methods:

• An evaluation of the "Entre-Parents" program was conducted with 132 parents of preschoolers in French-speaking Switzerland.
• Data collection likely involved pre- and post-program assessments of parenting, family functioning, and child behavior.
• Program attendance and satisfaction were also monitored.

Main Results:

• High program attendance (average 6.6/8 sessions) and parent satisfaction were observed.
• The program led to more effective parenting practices and reduced parenting stress.
• Positive effects included increased family adaptability, improved children's social competence, and reduced disruptive/anxious behaviors.
• Greater benefits were noted for parents with higher session attendance.

Conclusions:

• "Entre-Parents" is an acceptable and effective group-parenting program for preschoolers in a French-speaking context.
• The intervention positively impacts parenting, family dynamics, and child behavioral outcomes.
• Parental engagement, indicated by session attendance, is a key factor for maximizing program benefits.