Parent-centered parenting values among Latino immigrant mothers

Abstract

This study examined parent-centered parenting values (parenting qualities considered important to be a ‘successful’ parent) of Latino immigrant mothers in the United States (US) as well as their perception of parenting values in the dominant US culture. Latino mothers (N = 98) living in the US with at least one child between the ages of1 and 12 years completed a survey on parenting values. Relational qualities, role modeling values, and firm control were highly valued, whereas low parental control and having economic resources were rated relatively low. Participants also indicated that mothers in the dominant culture valued low parental control and having economic resources more than they themselves valued these qualities. Parent-centered values endorsed by Latino mothers in the study were very similar across countries of origin and levels of education. Overall results were consistent with the hypothesis that Latino mothers endorse parent-centered parenting values that adhere to a relational perspective, which emphasizes affection and loyalty towards other family members.