The present study investigated mothers' and fathers' inductive, coercive and non-interference child-rearing practices with 24- and 72-month-old children. Twenty-four mothers and fathers with an only child were interviewed about their child-rearing practices. Statistical analyses revealed that the mothers described significantly more inductive practices than did the fathers at 24 months, but at 72 months there were no differences. These results indicate that the mothers talked, expressed feelings and opinions, established limits and praised appropriate behaviors more with their children. The mothers, on average, also used a greater total of child-rearing practices than did fathers, which can be explained by the predominant role that they still exercise in the children's socialization, although fathers are participating more in their children's education.
Parenthood; child-rearing practices of mothers and fathers
