Evaluation of the Better Parenting Programme in Jordan

Abstract

This study evaluates the Better Parenting Programme (BPP) which has been implemented nationally in Jordan to enhance parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to caring for young children. The participants (N = 337, 94% female) were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group participated in the BPP; the control group did not. Before and after the BPP, all participants completed questionnaires to assess their knowledge regarding key areas of child development, activities with their children, discipline practices, and perceptions regarding behaviours that constitute child abuse and neglect. Over time, the participants in the experimental group (but not those in the control group) improved on parenting knowledge, spending time playing and reading books with their children, using more explanations during the course of disciplining their child, and accurately perceiving behaviours that constitute child neglect. The results suggest modest beneficial effects of participation in the BPP.

Keywords:

• child development
• intervention
• Jordan
• parenting

Acknowledgements

This evaluation of the Better Parenting Programme was funded by UNICEF.