Understand the link between parent-child relationships

Based on findings from: Lability in Parent–Child Warmth and Hostility and Adolescent Externalizing Behaviors (Developmental Psychology, 2025)

At Baumgarten Child Psychology and More, we help families navigate complex developmental and behavioral challenges. One of the recurring concerns we hear from parents is how their relationship with their child—especially in times of stress or emotional volatility—may be affecting their child’s behavior. A recent research study sheds new light on this issue and offers important takeaways for families and professionals alike.

What the Study Looked At

The research followed 561 children who were adopted at birth into non-relative families. By studying adopted children, researchers were able to separate environmental influences (how the child is raised) from genetic ones (traits inherited from biological parents). The focus was on how long-term patterns and year-to-year fluctuations (lability) in parental warmth and hostility influenced externalizing behaviors in adolescence—things like aggression, defiance, and rule-breaking.

The researchers also explored how psychopathology (mental health conditions) in both adoptive and biological parents might play a role in these behavioral outcomes.

Key Findings

• Both long-term trends and short-term fluctuations in parental behavior matter. Increases in parental hostility and decreases in warmth over time were associated with more behavioral issues during adolescence.

• Fathers’ behavior had a particularly strong impact. While both mothers and fathers influence their children’s emotional and behavioral development, the study found more consistent effects from fathers’ increasing hostility and decreasing warmth.

• Externalizing behaviors were not just caused by parenting styles. The results suggest a two-way street—children with challenging behaviors may also elicit more hostile responses from their parents. This evocative effectmeans that behavior patterns are co-created over time, rather than caused by one side alone.

• Parent mental health had limited moderation effects. The influence of parent psychopathology (both genetic and environmental) was not as significant as expected in this study, although it remains a factor worth considering in individual cases.

  
  

What This Means for Families

At Baumgarten Child Psychology and More, we see every day how parenting is a dynamic process. This research reinforces something we often discuss with parents:

• Consistency in emotional warmth matters. Maintaining a positive and supportive emotional connection with your child—especially during tough phases—is crucial. Kids may not always show it, but they are deeply impacted by how their parents relate to them over time.

• Hostility can have lasting effects. While moments of frustration are normal, chronic patterns of anger or hostility, even subtle ones, can contribute to the development of externalizing behaviors in teens.

• Dads play a vital role. Sometimes, fathers' influence on emotional development is underestimated. This study emphasizes how essential it is for fathers to remain emotionally engaged and avoid expressions of hostility as children grow.

• Behavior is a two-way street. If your child exhibits externalizing behaviors, it’s not just about what you’re doing “right” or “wrong”—your child’s temperament and reactions shape the relationship, too. Recognizing this can help shift blame and focus on collaborative solutions.

  
  

How We Can Help

At Baumgarten Child Psychology and More, we specialize in supporting families through these very challenges. Whether you're navigating emotional ups and downs, discipline issues, or broader developmental concerns, our team offers individualized, evidence-based care to help strengthen your parent–child relationship and support your child’s healthy development.

If you're concerned about your child's behavior or struggling to maintain emotional balance in your parenting, reach out. We’re here to help—compassionately, collaboratively, and without judgment.

Baumgarten Child Psychology and More

Helping children and families grow together.

Visit us at: www.baumgartenchildpsych.com