Parenting practices and their effect on childhood development in the parish of Guaytacama, Province of Cotopaxi

Abstract

This article analyzes the parenting practices of mothers and fathers in the parish of Guaytacama, Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador, and how these practices impact the development of children during early childhood. It also analyzes how social, cultural, and economic conditions affect these practices. To this end, a qualitative approach with a descriptive, non-experimental design was adopted, using semi-structured interviews and direct, non-participatory observation to collect information. The sample was selected through intentional qualitative sampling, considering highly significant sociodemographic variables such as age, educational level, and household structure. It consisted of fifteen parents (ten mothers and five fathers), predominantly young mothers under the age of 22 (80%) and fathers who were mostly adults over the age of 45 (80%). The results of the research indicate that much of the responsibility for the household falls on mothers; however, to a lesser extent, the participation of fathers was also noted, with their involvement being mainly oriented toward discipline and order rather than affection. The study also revealed a decline in the birth rate, especially among the young population, which favors infant care. Despite the economic difficulties of the study population, many parents transmit values such as empathy, affection, responsibility, and love to raise their children in the best way possible during this early stage of their growth.