The relationship between overprotective parenting and infant motor development

Previous research identifies overprotection as a parenting behaviour that is adversely linked to childhood outcomes. Despite this, there has been limited investigation of the influence of overprotection on specific domains of development. Moreover, little is understood regarding the influence of overprotective parenting in infancy. Given suggestions that overprotection may limit access to play and movement opportunities, the current study aimed to investigate the relationship between overprotection and infant motor development. Ninety-nine families participated in the study (infant age 11 months to 13 months 30 days). Infant motor development was assessed using the Bayley’s Scale of Infant Development-4 and overprotection was assessed by parent self-report. While bayesian correlational analysis indicated moderate evidence of no relationship between overprotection and infant motor development, results found moderate evidence for a relationship between overprotection and infant walking status. Findings suggest particular motor milestones may be more sensitive to overprotective behaviours, and highlight the need for further examination of the influence of overprotection on later stages of motor development. Furthermore, findings contribute to broadening our understanding of the influence of overprotective parenting on infant development.