How-to parenting program: A randomized controlled trial evaluating its impact on parenting

“How to Talk so Kids will Listen & Listen so Kids will Talk” is a universal parenting program hypothesized to teach three key parenting components: autonomy support, affiliation, and structure. To assess its impact on these components, we conducted its first randomized controlled trial. We recruited 293 parent-child dyads, which we randomized into 30 parenting groups. Fifteen groups received the program immediately (How-to condition), while the other half received it 14 months later (waitlist condition). Parents and their child (Mage = 7.60) rated parent autonomy support, affiliation and structure at pre- and post-intervention as well as at six- and twelve-month follow-ups. At post-intervention, parents in the How-to condition reported more autonomy support than parents in the waitlist condition and, for those scoring low on affiliation or structure at pre-intervention, more affiliation and (potentially) structure, respectively. Limited differences were reported by children. Post-intervention differences remained stable over the 12-month follow up. •This RCT examined the impact of the How-to Parenting Program on parenting.•The program enhanced autonomy support, and to some extent affiliation and structure.•Observed benefits persisted over a 12-month follow up period.•The program seemed most beneficial for parents with lower initial parenting skills.•This was the first RCT assessing the How-to Parenting Program.