La parentalidad positiva en la crianza de los niños de 3 a 5 años de los Centros de Educación Inicial del Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: Positive parenting is a problem prevalent in many Ecuadorian families due to factors such as limited paternal involvement, daily stress, and a lack of sensitive parenting strategies. This affects the socio-emotional development of children aged 3 to 5. Therefore, the central objective of this research was to analyze the parenting competencies of mothers and fathers in Early Childhood Education Centers in Ecuador using the Positive Parenting Scale (E2P). A descriptive quantitative approach was applied to a sample of 20 mothers and fathers to evaluate each of the competencies, including attachment, formative, protective, and reflective skills. The results showed that while most of those evaluated expressed explicit affection, very few actually demonstrated adequate empathy. Furthermore, approximately half of the participants tended to anticipate routines and changes. These results demonstrate the existence of strengths in affection and physical protection but also gaps in emotional communication and autonomy; the need to strengthen family support programs that improve parenting practices is recognized.