Intergenerational Differences in Parenting Styles and Goals

In this study we assessed intergenerational differences on parenting styles and goals. Thirty-two mothers and 28 maternal grandmothers filled out four parenting measures: The Parent Satisfaction Scale, the Childrearing Practices Report, the Parenting Goals Questionnaire, and the Self-Sufficiency Questionnaire. Although no generational differences were obtained for parenting goals, significant differences were found for self-sufficiency parenting, parent satisfaction, and on nurturance. Results indicated that grandmothers perceived children as less autonomous and placed greater emphasis on parenting as a value and on nurturance than did their daughters.