Examining the relative contribution of mothers’ and fathers’ executive functions to toddlers’ executive functions

Executive functions (EFs) are known to emerge early in child development and contribute, along with other factors, to the acquisition of socio-emotional skills, language abilities and academic achievement. Some studies have demonstrated an association between mothers’ EFs and children’s EFs, but only a few have included both parents. The objective of this study is therefore to examine the relative contribution of EFs of both parents on the development of EFs in early childhood. A sample of 67 expectant parents (both mothers and fathers) reported on their EFs during pregnancy. When their child was two years-old, parents completed a questionnaire reporting on their child’s EFs. Multiple linear regressions show that, globally, each parent’s lower EFs uniquely contribute to predict the child's EFs, namely lower inhibition, flexibility and emergent metacognition. Maternal metacognitive EFs and paternal behavioural EFs are the main predictors of children’s EFs. Parental behaviours’ contribution to children’s cognitive development are discussed.