Description
The present study is an examination of parenting knowledge and childcare experience amongst non-parent, young adults aged 18 to 35. Ninety participants completed a 45-item scale measuring knowledge of child development adapted from MacPhee’s Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory. Participants had an average score of 70%. A significant relationship was found between childcare experience and parenting knowledge, such that more experience indicated higher KIDI scores. Results indicated non-significant relationships between parenting knowledge and age and income. Additionally, no significant difference was found between male and female scores. The results of this study indicate that professionals should establish educational programs targeting the information future parents are lacking. For instance, child development courses and real-world experience can be added into college course plans and family life educators can offer parent education training for individuals outside of the college classroom.
