Although researchers have recognized that there may be cultural differences in parenting behaviors, little research has been devoted to understanding the similarities and differences in associations between fathering practices and child outcomes in European American and Latino families (Cabrera et al., 2000). Compared to European American and African American fathers, Latino fathers spend more time and interact more with their children (Toth & Xu, 1999) and are more likely to monitor their children (Hofferth, 2003; Toth & Xu, 1999). However, Latino fathers show similar levels of affection and warmth towards their children as fathers of other ethnicities (Hofferth, 2003; Toth & Xu, 1999). As with Caucasian non-Hispanics, acceptance and warmth were associated with positive outcomes such as decreased conduct problems and depressive symptoms for Mexican American children (Gonzales, Pitts, Hill, & Roosa, 2000). Mexican American fathers have also been found to be involved in discipline, rule setting, and play activities at levels equal to European American fathers (Backstrom, 2004).
