‘Catch Them Being Good’: preliminary findings from a brief parenting intervention

ABSTRACT

Although the use of praise for young children is well documented, its use in a stand-alone intervention warrants further exploration. This study aimed to determine whether a brief intervention to raise parental awareness of effective praise had any significant impact on children’s behaviour. A mixed methods, control group design was used to evaluate the ‘Catch Them Being Good’ Initiative with parents of children aged between 2 and 4. Results from pre and post measures from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and post intervention interviews showed promising results. Those who took part in the intervention reported a reduction in their child’s behavioural problems and an increase in prosocial behaviour. Focusing on positive behaviours helped parents to break the cycle of attending to bad behaviour. This light-touch approach empowered parents to make small changes to their parenting practice that resulted in significant improvements in their children’s’ behaviour.

KEYWORDS:

• Praise
• parenting
• behaviour
• children

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sue Westwood

Sue Westwood is a psychologist who specializes in the education and training of those working with communities and young people. She has worked with clients to overcome significant childhood problems and to develop adaptive coping strategies. Recently, she has undertaken research in area of families, with an emphasis on child development.

Joanne Faelling

Joanne Faelling is a psychologist with specific interests in parenting and education. Her research has looked at the impact of praise on children’s behavioural and emotional strengths, and the use of effective parenting strategies. Joanne is also particularly interested in factors affecting young people in education, such as exam anxiety, procrastination and coping strategies.

Carole Sutton

Carole Sutton originally worked as a social worker in the fields of health, mental health and children and families, where her experiences as a practitioner and as a parent led to an interest in research to support young families. Carole has extensive experience of teaching and training health visitors, social workers and supporting parents in helping their troubled children.