ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the evidence relates to parenting support in the form of information giving or education, provided individually or in groups. The effects on a child of parenting style can be positive or negative, either promoting resilience against possible adverse outcomes of a poor social and economic environment or increasing susceptibility to a range of health and social problems. Surveys show that parents value family support services and that many would welcome additional support in specific areas. The Community Mothers Programme uses experienced volunteer mothers to support first-time parents in disadvantaged areas. A number of American economic studies have shown that parenting support can be highly cost-effective when targeted at disadvantaged families or at the parents of children with special needs. Medway Positive Parenting Network was designed as a model for use across the UK. Comparisons of different approaches to parenting education to determine the most appropriate and effective approaches in different situations and with different groups of parents.
