Parenting Style and Preschool Children's Social competence: The case of private preschools in Huruta Town
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Date
2024-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between parenting styles and
preschool children’s social competence. The study employed quantitative research approach
and cross-sectional research design. The data were collected from randomly selected 125
children and their parents, using the social-competence scale and the parenting dimensions
questionnaire (PSDQ).The data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential
statistical methods. In particular, percentage, frequency, cross-tabulation, independent sample
t-test, correlation and regression were used. The results revealed that the more of children had
43(34.4%) an average social competence score. Moreover, the results indicated that
authoritative parenting style (59) (47.2%) was the most practiced parenting style among
parents. There were no statistically significant differences (t) (-0.426) =123, P>0.05 between male
and female children across mean scores in measures of social competence. The relationship
between authoritative parenting style and social competence scores was strong positive and
significant(r=0.884, p<0.01). However, the relationship between authoritarian(r=-0.278,
p<0.01) and Permissive (r=-0.381, p<0.01) parenting styles with social competence scores of
children were weak, negative and significant As a result, it is reasonable to conclude that
authoritative parenting style related positively with children's social competence. In
combination, the parenting styles 77.7% predicting factor of children's social competencies.
Finally, critical recommendations were forwarded for parents, and other concerned
stakeholders in order to assist, aware parenting and enhance parenting practices.