Child language development

[loml]

Fathers influence child language development more than mothers

CHAPEL HILL - In families with two working parents, fathers had greater impact than mothers on their children's language development between ages 2 and 3, according to a study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Frank Porter Graham (FPG) Child Development Institute and UNC's School of Education.

Researchers videotaped pairs of parents and their 2-year-old children in their homes during playtime. The children whose fathers used more diverse vocabularies had greater language development when they were tested one year later. However, the mothers' vocabulary did not significantly affect a child's language skills.

"Most previous studies on early language development focused on mothers," said Nadya Panscofar, a graduate research assistant and an author of the study. "These findings underscore that for two-parent, dual earner families, fathers should be included in all efforts to improve language development and school readiness."

Panscofar and Dr. Lynne Vernon-Feagans, the William C. Friday distinguished professor of Child and Family Studies in the School of Education and a faculty fellow at FPG, conducted the study in Pennsylvania as part of the Penn State Health and Development Project when both were affiliated with that university.

The study appears in the online version of the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology. It will appear in the November print issue of that publication.

A secondary finding of this study was that high-quality child care during the first three years of life was associated with higher scores at age 3 on a test of expressive language development. However, child care accounted for less variance than family language. Researchers also found that, consistent with previous research, the parents' level of education had a significant impact on children's language abilities.

Note: For more information, visit FPG Child Development Institute

UNC News release -- Fathers influence child language development more than mothers

 

[Audiofuzzy]

very interesting....


I wonder if these parents were both working, or fathers only? sometimes is natural that children will pay more attention to father who is absent most of the day.. also, mothers tend to talk about more trivial, domestic oriented things "be careful, don't do that, eat your food" etc), while the fathers talk more "play talk". that too would make children more prone to listening.



and how should I interpret this:

The children whose fathers used more diverse vocabularies had greater language development when they were tested one year later. However, the mothers' vocabulary did not significantly affect a child's language skills.

does that mean only the fathers had "more diverse vocabulary"? or mothers did to? if only fathers did, then that would explain.

A secondary finding of this study was that high-quality child care during the first three years of life was associated with higher scores at age 3 on a test of expressive language development.

that would somewhat prove my earlier opinon about "father's talk". a high quality child care will engage a child in all kinds of educational activities.
no wonder the child learns a lot.

Researchers also found that, consistent with previous research, the parents' level of education had a significant impact on children's language abilities.

I had seen this happen first hand.. many times. I agree wholeheartedly.

Fuzzy

 

[Cloggy]

Fathers influence child language development more than mothers


UNC News release -- Fathers influence child language development more than mothers

A secondary finding of this study was that high-quality child care during the first three years of life was associated with higher scores at age 3 on a test of expressive language development. However, child care accounted for less variance than family language. Researchers also found that, consistent with previous research, the parents' level of education had a significant impact on children's language abilities.

Great info..

High quality child care make a big difference as well.
The kindergarten Lotte is attending also has male adults that "run the show" and not just - like seems to be the standard - women.
We can see that it has a good effect on the children. Playing outside becomes different, and - like this study suggests, it might influence their language as well.

 

[Handsome_Smiley]

It probly has to do with men having a more bass sounding voice then women. It probly easier for the child hear and feel the deeper bassed voice. There are not a lot of mother(if there are any) that have a deep bass voice. Also would explain why childern fear their fathers more then mothers.

 

[Audiofuzzy]

Also would explain why childern fear their fathers more then mothers.

That is not always the case, and it would be rather minor reason.
If you observe any household, any family, you will easily see that in majority of them mothers are gentle nurtures, and fathers are more of disciplinarians. That's why children fear fathers more.

Altough I agree that deep bassy voice is better to understand, and more "serious". That's great observation.

Fuzzy

 

[Gemma]

Well I wonder what about these divorced parents? I didnt see my father very much in my young childhood - it was my mother who devoted her time to my language development. She was always assisting me. She used to read a book each week for me to learn vocabulary and pronounciation as well.

 

[Tousi]

Well I wonder what about these divorced parents? I didnt see my father very much in my young childhood - it was my mother who devoted her time to my language development. She was always assisting me. She used to read a book each week for me to learn vocabulary and pronounciation as well.

Good question on the role of family dynamics, Gemma. So how about that, folks? Half the marriages (who knows, maybe it is greater in families who have not-so-perfect kids) in this country go kaput so with that in mind.....

 

[Audiofuzzy]

There is certainly more questions than answers with these type of studies.
It is said pretty clearly though, that the objects of this particular study were two parent working families.

Indeed, what would be the outcome if the study was about READING to children the same book by both parents- who would have had more effect, then - mom or dad, or would it be the same.

But I do believe if digged deeper, the answers why the fathers were more affecting in the quoted study could be found.

Fuzzy

 

[jillio]

Actually, it has a lot to do with developmental issues, and the child, at the age cited, is beginning to realize that he/she is not an extension of the mother, but a separate being. They are beginning, at this point to look beyond the mother for other influences. Prior to this,the child has not acieved a concept of indviduation, and therefore, sees themselves as an extension of the mother. When they begin to achieve indiviuation, the father becomes more influential.

 

[shel90]

Well I wonder what about these divorced parents? I didnt see my father very much in my young childhood - it was my mother who devoted her time to my language development. She was always assisting me. She used to read a book each week for me to learn vocabulary and pronounciation as well.

same here too...


Very interesting article, lomi..I will show that to my hubby.