Child-Rearing Difficulties Reported by Parents of Infants and Toddlers

Surveyed a nonclinical sample of 413 parents of infants and toddlers about child-rearing difficulties, child behavior problems, and their own needs for support. Despite their high educational and income level, the parents surveyed reported raising young children to be a difficult task. Most concerns centered on children's irritating but developmentally typical behavior such as whining, noncompliance with adult requests, and interruption of adult activities. Parental reports of difficulties were highest for parents with more than one child and when children were past their second birthday.