How Useful Is It? Differences in Parents’ Perceptions of Parenting Information Sources

This study examined parents’ perceptions of the usefulness of various sources of parenting information including: family members and friends, professionals, and various media sources, such as books and the Internet. Applying a modification of the Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking to parenting, this study examined associations between parents’ demographic characteristics, relevant personal experiences, and their perceptions of the usefulness of parenting information sources. Data were collected using an online survey (N = 1,339 parents of children 18 years old and younger). Results indicated that parents of preschool-aged children viewed family members, professionals, and books/magazines to be more useful than did parents of teenagers. Mothers reported all sources that were included in the survey as more useful sources of parenting information than did fathers, with the exception of their spouse/partner and information pamphlets. Fathers reported their spouse/partner to be a more useful source than the other sources offered in the survey. Parents of children with disabilities viewed their own parents and professionals as more useful sources of parenting information than did parents of children with no disabilities. Implications and recommendations for family life educators to consider both demographics and parent’s experience when designing parenting information dissemination efforts are discussed.