Effects of a Child Development and Positive-Disciplinary Programs with Family Participation for Children Aged 2-5 Years with Suspected Developmental Delays, Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

Objective : To study and compare the development and emotional intelligence of children aged 2-5 years with suspected developmental delays and to compare the parenting skills of parents before and after participating in a program to promote development and create positive discipline with family participation.

Methods : This is a one-group quasi-experimental research, measuring results before and after the experiment. The sample group consisted of 325 children aged 2-5 years with suspected developmental delays and 325 parents. The research period was January 2023–January 2024. Activities were organized according to the program to promote development and create positive discipline with family participation (Triple-P), including bonding activities, discipline-building activities, the first activity to create smart children, and the second activity to create smart children, with each activity taking 1.30–2 hours, spaced 2 weeks apart, for a total of 8 weeks.

Result : When comparing the results before and after receiving the program, it was found that before entering the program, children had emotional intelligence scores at a normal level, at 59.38 percent, and after joining the program, emotional intelligence scores were at a high level, at 52.61 percent, and parents' early childhood care skills increased from 32.92 percent to 54.46 percent. In terms of child development, it was found that most children had age-appropriate development, at 88.62 percent, and 11.38 percent were suspected to be delayed. Most children still had suspected delays in language use.

Conclusion : After using the Triple-P family-based Positive Discipline and Developmental Promotion Program, most sample group showed increased age-appropriate development and emotional intelligence, and parents had improved parenting skills compared to before the program.