Brief report: learning to parent: a survey of parents in an urban pediatric primary care clinic

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To survey parents bringing children to an urban pediatric primary care clinic about (1) how they learned parenting skills, (2) role of the clinic in teaching parenting, (3) helpfulness of information sources, and (4) preferred modalities for teaching. METHODS: A total of 108 adults completed an oral survey in clinic, consisting of open-ended questions, yes/no endorsements, Likert ratings, and demographic questions. RESULTS: The majority reported learning to parent from their families or "by just doing it." Talking with professionals was rated as very helpful. Most had parenting questions. Almost half wanted information regarding specific developmental/behavioral issues, while only 8% wanted medical information. Most felt they could talk with clinic professionals about concerns but fewer had done so. Modality preferences were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Inner-city parents value working with primary care providers to improve knowledge of developmental/behavioral issues. Results have implications for the anticipatory guidance process, content of information provided, and the training of pediatric healthcare providers. We determined preferences for information delivery.