Parent and provider perspectives on parenting programs for Black and Latiné families.

Abstract

Parenting program research demonstrates positive impact on children yet are primarily designed for White families, which limits generalizability. Parenting interventions tailored for Black and Latiné families are crucial to ensure culturally appropriate programs. This study aimed to understand Black and Latiné parent and provider perspectives on program preferences to inform adaptations. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 33 parents (82% women, 64% Black, 36% Latiné) and six providers who work with Black and Latiné families (83% women, 50% Black, 33% Latiné). Shared parent-provider themes included: Preferences and Recommendations for Program Content, Preferences and Recommendations for Program Delivery, Barriers to Attending and Implementing a Parenting Program. Parent interviews yielded one additional theme: Facilitators to Attending a Parenting Program. Preferred program content included discussions of race, culture, and ethnic-racial socialization, child and parent wellbeing, and parenting practices. Parents and providers highlighted the importance of interventionist relatability. Provider-identified barriers included limited family resources, while parent-identified barriers included competing responsibilities and inconvenience. Parents offered solutions, including easing the burden of competing responsibilities, increasing convenience, and facilitating feeling supported by a program. Findings have implications on culturally-relevant adaptations to programs for Black and Latiné parents. Future research should investigate acceptability and efficacy of resulting parenting programs.