This study presents a new cognitive construct to analyze parent-child relationship: metaparenting. This construct is defined as a set of processes that results in a more comprehensive understanding of parenting; metaparenting consists in thinking about or reflecting by parents on their own parenting practices. In a literature review conducted with the following keywords metaparenting and metaparentagem in national and international databases (PsycINFO, Lilacs, Sage, Medline and Google scholar), two studies were found, two master thesis and a doctoral dissertation, all of them in English. As an area of recent research, few studies have been developed in Brazilian and international literature, nevertheless the data obtained illustrates that metaparenting was correlated with authoritative parenting, parental competence and less potential for child abuse. Therefore it seems to be a useful resource for the area of intervention with families and preventing child behavior problems. Further studies with a larger population, from different cultures, different economics and educational levels should contribute for further understanding of the phenomenon.
Parent-child relationship; cognition; prevention