Is Early Childhood a Developmental Period for Parents Too? Stability and Change in Parental Strengths Among Low-Income Families

We employed latent transition analysis with 4,523 low-income mothers to examine parental strengths from toddlerhood to school entry. Four profiles emerged: “Multi-Type Strengths” and three showing strengths alongside specific limitations—“Limited Co-Parental Support,” “Limited Behavioral Responsiveness,” and “Limited Psychological Wellbeing.” Perceived personal control predicted both initial profiles and transitions over time.