Malawian parents’ and children’s perception on the influence of ‘The Parenting Challenge’: A focus on family communication, social support, emotional support, and educational support

Abstract

Positive parenting programmes aim to support families who are raising their children amidst adverse circumstances, like in Malawi. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perception of parents and children on the influence of the positive parenting programme ‘The Parenting Challenge’ on parenting in their family. Specifically, family communication, social and emotional support, and educational support were investigated. For the focus group discussions and individual interviews 151 parents participating in the programme and 17 of their children were selected with a convenience sample. Results showed that the programme positively influenced family communication, social and emotional support, and educational support. Also, the results indicated that acquiring knowledge and awareness, changing beliefs, experiencing support from group members, and increasing parental wellbeing were mechanisms underlying the change in parenting behaviour. These findings provide knowledge for the organisation and enrich the literature by exploring the influence of a positive parenting programme on family wellbeing in sub-Saharan Africa.