Predicting Parent-Child Interactions From Children's Activity Level

Recent formulations of socialization emphasize a previously neglected facet of parent-child interaction—the effects of child attributes on parent behavior. Empirically, however, little has been done to clarify which attributes of children systematically affect parental behavior and how they affect them. This study examines the relationship between children's activity level and independently assessed parent-child interactions in a group of 117 preschool children and their parents. Four parent-child combinations (mother-daughter, father-daughter, mother-son, and father-son) were studied. Using Bell's conceptualization of upper and lower limit parental control behavior, it was predicted that parent-child interactions involving active children would be marked by more strife and conflict than parent-child interactions involving more quiescent, less active children. Results indicate that parents of highly active children tend to intrude physically and are described as getting into power struggles and competition with their children. Impatience or hostility toward active children was observed in parents of all parent-child pairings with the notable exception of the father-son combination. In contrast, interactions involving less active children were generally peaceful and harmonious. Implications for parent-child interactions are discussed.