Abstract
Background Parenting practices are behaviours that are known to be challenging and complex. Differences in these behaviours have been proven to have significant implications in child’s health and development. Research shows how paternal parenting behaviours can mould the concept of fatherhood for the next generation.Female participation in the workforce, dual income families are on the rise. This promotes father’s involvement in child care. Despite the increment in father’s participation, the perspectives of fathers, especially grandfathers, remains under-explored. There is a need to further understand the relationship between a father and a son and how it shapes fatherhood. No such study has been conducted in a multicultural context like Singapore.
Objectives The study aims to explore the intergenerational perspectives of paternal parenting practices in Singapore.
Methods A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 12 dyads (grandfathers and fathers) from the tertiary public pediatric hospital in Singapore. Face-to-face interview with a semi-structured guide was conducted. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis.
Results Four themes and 13 sub themes related to the influences that affect grandfathers’ and fathers’ perspectives on parenting were generated. The four main themes are shown in table 1 below:
Conclusions The study explored grandfathers’ and fathers’ views, beliefs and experiences on paternal parenting. Findings provided us the information to compare between two generations, deepening the understanding of a father-son’s relationship, while adding valuable insights to the topic of fatherhood. Findings also encourage improvements to policy and practice, that are important for fathers to assimilate into fatherhood and promote positive child outcomes.
