Parenting Evaluation Decision Framework:
Sample Instrument
Using Objectives for Measurement from NEPEM

If a need arises to design an evaluation instrument pertaining to the NEPEM categories, some suggested items have been provided for use by educators to compile an evaluation instrument. This can be used in a pre-test post-test, can be used as a self-evaluation, or can be used as a guide for focus groups when questions are re-phrased into open-ended questions.

If these are used as a pre-test or post-test, keeping the questionnaire brief may be important depending on your target audience. Using only 3 items per parenting category may be one strategy. Items can be used with a Lickert scale rating next to them for parents to rate their level of agreement. Using agree sometime, and disagree, or using yes, no, or not sure ratings are suggestions. These items have not been tested for reliability and validity. They have, however, been validated by a panel of family and child development experts who agree these are indicators of practice within the NEPEM parenting categories.

Results should be openly shared with parents. Do not use them punitively; use results constructively to aid in planning more effective learning.

Items to use with parents learning on SELF:

• Parents need to take a break from their children sometimes.

• When I am stressed, it is harder to be a parent.

• When I am stressed, it is harder to be a good parent.

• When I have a problem with my children, I usually blame myself for not being a good enough parent.

• Really good parents don't need help and support from other people.

Items to use with parents learning on UNDERSTAND:

• If a parent is concerned that his/her child isn't growing up normally, it is important to have the child checked to see if something could be wrong.

• Children deserve just as much respect as adults do.

• Sometimes children cannot help misbehaving because they are too tired or hungry or sick.

• Children go through the same stages as they grow up, but they don't all act the same.

Items to use with parents learning on GUIDE:

• To help children learn self-control, parents must have rules and enforce them strictly.

• One good way to help children learn self-control is to give them choices whenever possible.

• I have developed ways to make it easier for my children to behave such as taking books on car trips and letting my child "help" with grocery shopping.

• Teaching a child to obey is more important than making the child feel loved.

• I believe that if you raise a child with gentleness, he will learn to take advantage of you.

Items to use with parents learning on NURTURE:

• My child has several adults who care about him/her.

• We try to do things as a family to create happy memories of childhood and being a family.

• One way to tell children you love them is to listen to them.

• One positive way to praise a child for doing the dishes is by saying," I love you because you did the dishes."

Items to use with parents learning on MOTIVATE:

• One of the best gifts I can give my child is to read to him or her.

• When my child does well in school or an activity, we talk about it so he/she continues to do these things in the future.

• My child has seen me look up things in a book or library source.

• I know places to take my child when he/she has a question about a job or career.

• Reading to my children, even infants, helps them grow and learn.

Items to use with parents learning on ADVOCATE:

• I have had my baby checked for possible health problems.

• Parents should have their children screened every few years to make sure they are growing normally.

• School is a place where my children can get an education and also learn how to get along with others.

• I have talked with my child's teacher to see how well he/she is doing in school.

• I don't want the school telling me how to do my job as a parent and I won't tell them how to do their job as teachers.

• Kids learn best when parents and the people at school work as a team.

• My child has relatives or adult friends who care about him or her.

• I have had some really good chats with my child's teacher.

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