Parents’ optimism and values for the future of their children

Abstract Objective We explored the relationship between optimism and values parents expect for their children’s future. Understanding which values associates with optimism is relevant to research on child rearing practices. Method Brazilian mothers and fathers (n = 127) of children from zero to 12 years old participated in the study. Participants filled out the LOT-R for dispositional optimism and the Values for the Future of Children. We used thematic analysis to treat the chosen values, and the justifications provided. Results Parents preferred faith, honesty, and fairness to other groups of values. Group comparisons were carried out. Optimism did not differ significantly between parents that chose faith, fairness, and honesty, but differed between faith and compassion, and faith and autonomy and determination. Conclusion Results indicate faith has been receiving more attention from parents and is considered an important value for their children’s future. We compare the results with similar studies and indicate future paths for research.