Parenting Practices and Child Development in Children Aged 0 to 4 Years: An Analysis of Autonomy, Limit Setting, Negotiation Capacity, and Decision-Making

ObjectivesAnalyze parenting practices related to autonomy, limit setting, negotiation capacity, and parental decision-making and examine their association with child development in children aged 0 to 4 years living in 12 socioeconomically vulnerable peri-urban neighborhoods in our state.MethodsA total of 528 children and their families were assessed during comprehensive pediatric care visits. Parenting practices were evaluated focusing on dimensions such as limit setting, autonomy, negotiation, and decision-making. Child development was assessed using the validated National Developmental Screening Test. Statistical analyses included frequency distributions, chi-square tests, and odds ratios (95% CI). Ethical approval was obtained.ResultsMore than half (56.66%) of caregivers showed significant difficulties (<i>p</i> < .0001) in key parenting practices, including setting clear limits, promoting autonomy, and negotiating with their child. Being older than 2 years was associated with increased risk in development (<i>p</i> < .0176; OR = 3.63). Children who failed the developmental screening were more likely to be exposed to these style of parenting practices (<i>p</i> < .0001; OR = 22.22).ConclusionsInflexible parenting styles-lacking a balance of firmness and responsiveness-were found to be potential obstacles to early childhood development, especially concerning the child's autonomy and decision-making about health and daily routines. Early intervention strategies should address these parenting dimensions to promote optimal developmental outcomes.