Authoritative Parenting among Asian Mothers and Its Influence on Children’s Emotional Development: A Qualitative Study
List of Authors
Kalpanah Balakrishnan1, Ranjit Kaur P. Gernail Singh, Shahrean Irani Abdul Rashid
Keyword
Authoritative parenting, Asian mothers, emotional development, early childhood, emotional resilience
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the impact of parenting practices used by Asian mothers on their children's emotional development, as well as the mechanisms through which such practices facilitated child emotional and social competence. It also muses on the melding of old and new values in contemporary Asian homes. Direct interviews were conducted with six participants, mothers from various ethnic groups in Klang Valley. The following methodology was used to analyse the data. Five main themes and two sub-themes emerged: the use of authoritative parenting to aid emotional development; the importance of communication and emotional expression; the adaptability of traditional views to modern expectations; the fact that parents must control their emotions and act as role models; and the problems of emotionally boosting children. The data analysis revealed that children of mothers practising authoritative parenting with high levels of warmth and responsiveness and moderate levels of controlled discipline act as attentive and empathetic individuals who can effectively regulate their emotions and struggles. The results indicate that Asian mothers effectively combine a strong sense of respect with emotional support, which contributes positively to their children's emotional well-being. The study’s results will be useful for parents, teachers, and policymakers in drafting parenting techniques suited to the Asian culture.