Child behaviour is a main concern for parents of 3‐year‐olds

Abstract

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to describe parental concerns about child health and behaviour and their sociodemographic predictors in 3‐year‐olds, in relation to the national guidelines of well‐baby clinics.MethodsThe study included parents of 33 526 children in Stockholm who had completed a questionnaire prior to a routine visit to a well‐baby clinic at age 3 years. Multivariate regression was used to analyse predictors for concerns.ResultsChild behaviour problems, defined as defiance and problem with adherence to daily routines, were the most common parental concerns (36.4%), with poor social skills and relations being second (21.8%). Regarding development, 9.6% had concerns about speech and 4.7% about motor development. Screen use (9.5%) and being underweight (6.3%) were other common parental concerns, while lifestyle concerns regarding physical activity and overweight were rare. Parents raised about twice as many concerns for first‐born children compared with younger siblings. Child behaviour and developmental concerns were more frequent in families where the mother had primary education only and attended a well‐baby clinic with a high Care Need Index.ConclusionParents' concerns reflected the national guidelines about child development and behaviour, but not its emphasis on a healthy lifestyle.