The Influence of Parental Styles on the Social-emotional Development of Children Aged 3 to 6 Years Old

Abstract

Parental engagement in children’s lives significantly contributed children’s social-emotional development. A child’s social-emotional development was influenced by their upbringing, personal experiences, and surrounding environment. This study examined the influence of parental styles on the social-emotional development of children at an early age. Utilizing quantitative, correlational research, the study focused on 100 parents as respondents with children aged 3 to 6 years old. The data was collected using survey questionnaires consisting of two parts. It was conducted at Sitio Quiabaton, Barangay Dominga, Calinan, Davao City. The results revealed that authoritative parenting was the most practiced parenting style among parents or guardians. As shown in the findings, there was no significant relationship between the two variables. However, using multiple regression analysis, it showed that parenting styles had a significant influence on the social-emotional development of learners aged 3-6 years old. The analysis revealed that the authoritative parenting style affected the development of learners, cultivating positive self-perception, while authoritative and permissive styles demonstrated a negative influence that limited the emotional growth of the child. Thus, parental active engagement in their children's lives, providing strong emotional support, guidance, and constant interaction, made it more likely for children to develop healthy relationships with others, empathy, emotional regulation, and self-confidence. Therefore, parental participation in the children's daily lives was highly encouraged, as it was of great importance in nurturing their social-emotional skills, making them socially adept individuals.