A Comparison of Fathers’ and Mothers’ Talk to Toddlers in Low‐income Families

Meredith L. Rowe · David L. Coker · Barbara Alexander Pan

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Language Development and Disorders Family Dynamics and Relationships Child and Animal Learning Development

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to provide descriptive information about low‐income fathers’ and mothers’ talk to toddlers and to re‐examine the bridge hypothesis ( Gleason, 1975 ) in light of current changes in family structure and childcare responsibilities. Thirty‐three father–child and mother–child dyads were videotaped during semi‐structured free play at home. Fathers’ and mothers’ talk to children did not differ in amount, diversity of vocabulary, or linguistic complexity as measured by mean length of utterance. However, fathers produced more wh‐questions and explicit clarification requests, thus presenting more conversational challenges to children. Resident fathers employed more direct forms of prohibitives. Results suggest the need for closer examination of factors related to child‐directed speech in varying family configurations.

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References

1998Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experience of Young American Children 1996Meaningful differences in the everyday experience of young American children 1992The CHILDES project: tools for analyzing talk 1985The Role of the Father in Child Development 1994The CHILDES Project: Tools for analyzing talk . By Brian MacWhinney. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum, 1991. Pp. xi, 360. Cloth $59.95, paper $24.95.1997Paternal involvement: Levels, sources, and consequences.1991Mother-Child Conversation in Different Social Classes and Communicative Settings 1998Moderators of gender effects on parents' talk to their children: A meta-analysis.

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2018Routine Language: Speech Directed to Infants During Home Activities 2005Predictors of Variation in Maternal Talk to Children: A Longitudinal Study of Low-Income Families 2008Predictors and outcomes of low-income fathers’ reading with their toddlers 2020Language Development in Context 2011Mother-child conversations at 36 months and at pre-kindergarten: Relations to children's school readiness

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