Effects of Reasoning on Child Compliance: A Father-Toddler Laboratory Investigation

Abstract

Child compliance and noncompliance are issues parents of young children struggle with on a daily basis. Reasoning is one parenting technique often recommended to parents, however there is little empirical evidence that reasoning is an effective technique in increasing child compliance. The first aim of this study is to clarify the utility of reasoning in enhancing child compliance. The second aim of the study is to examine the influence of fathers. The study examined the effects of reasoning on child compliance in a sample of 24 father-child dyads (children ages 24-30 months). Results failed to support a facilitative effect of reasoning on child compliance in preschoolers. Level of supervision was significant with greater child compliance when more closely monitored. Overall, fathers were actively involved in many childrearing tasks. Future studies should address the role of fathers in parenting.