What It Means to Put Children First

A Mixed-Method Investigation of Child-Centric Parenting

Bibliographic Data

ID19232249
AuthorsNatalie M Sisson (0000-0003-0758-3803, University of Toronto), Hanieh Naeimi (0000-0003-3225-6687, University of Toronto, corresponding author), Joëlle Darwiche (0000-0001-9802-3216, University of Lausanne), Emily Impett (0000-0003-3348-7524, University of Toronto)
Year2026
Publication date2026-06-13
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/02654075261459484
OpenAlexW7164649242
LanguageEN
References cited58

Child-centrism is a commonly practiced parenting approach in which parents prioritize their children’s well-being over their own. Despite initial validation of a child-centrism scale among mothers—supporting its distinctiveness from other intensive parenting styles—research has yet to comprehensively examine child-centrism in fathers and identify motivations for engaging in and concrete manifestations of child-centrism. In this research, we provide a nuanced examination of mother and father child-centrism, including parents’ child-centric motivations and behaviors. Across two mixed-method studies ( N = 387 parents from the U.S.), we demonstrate that mothers and fathers interpret and respond to the child-centrism scale similarly and further establish the validity of the child-centrism measure. We also conduct gender comparisons of child-centrism endorsement, examine parents’ motivations for engaging in child-centrism, and identify qualitative themes among parents’ child-centric behaviors. This research advances understanding of child-centrism as a distinct and meaningful parenting approach, underscoring its relevance for both mothers and fathers

Coparenting · Optimal distinctiveness theory · Qualitative analysis · Qualitative research · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Family Support in Illness

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