Differences in Perceptions of the Ideal Child among American and Filipino Parents

This study examined American and Filipino parents’ perceptions of the ideal child. One hundred seventy‐five Americans and 142 Filipino parents were administered the Torrance's Ideal Child Checklist. Results showed significant differences in their responses to factors related to achievement and sociability among girls and negativistic‐critical and creative‐intuitive behaviors among boys and girls. There were no significant differences between American and Filipino parents in their responses to factors related to achievement and sociability among boys. The cultural implications of these findings are discussed.