Assessing Parental Readiness for Childcare: An ECD Framework
Abstract
Background:
Early Childhood Development (ECD) is a critical determinant of lifelong health, learning, and well-being. Despite World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF guidelines emphasizing nurturing care, responsive caregiving, nutrition, and early learning, structured parenting support remains limited in Pakistan. UNICEF reports indicate that only 40% of Pakistani children receive developmentally appropriate care, highlighting substantial gaps in parental preparedness. This study aimed to assess parental awareness and preparedness for ECD in Karachi, Pakistan, with a focus on WHO-recommended practices, and to explore the influence of prenatal education and digital resources on parental confidence.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 401 expectant or prospective parents in Karachi. Data were collected using a self-designed questionnaire assessing knowledge, skills, and expectations related to ECD. Key domains included general preparedness for parenthood, responsive caregiving and early learning activities, awareness of developmental milestones, and understanding of nutrition-related interventions for early development. Descriptive analysis was performed to summarize parental preparedness levels.
Results:
Findings indicated that most parents demonstrated strong foundational caregiving practices, with 72% reporting consistent daily habits supporting child well-being. Emotional responsiveness was evident, as 67% of parents could recognize hunger cues, and 66% acknowledged differences between modern and traditional parenting approaches. However, notable gaps were identified: only 39% of parents were able to recognize signs of developmental delays, and just 44% demonstrated adequate understanding of child nutrition. Additionally, 21% of parents reported difficulty balancing advice from elders with professional guidance.
Conclusion:
While parental preparedness for basic caregiving is relatively strong in urban Pakistan, gaps remain in developmental monitoring, nutrition knowledge, and navigating family influences. Targeted, culturally sensitive parenting programs are needed to strengthen ECD outcomes in low- and middle-income settings.
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Copyright (c) 2025 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
