History of Parenting

1900-1920’s Events: Immigrants arrive in the U.S This leads to poverty and health problems. (Slums/tenement housing) Child labor laws are put into action Government Policy: 1913- Children’s Bureau in the Dept. of Labor. 1914- Smith-Lover Act: 2000 County Home Demonstration Agents hired to teach food & nutrition. 1917- Smith-Hughes Act: Homemaking Education. 1918: Public Health department

1900-1920’s (Continued) Child Theorists: Sigmund Freud- Early childhood experiences will effect later development; an individual’s personality is “set” at childhood. John Watson- Originator of the learning theory/behaviorism. His advice: control a child’s behavior and punish bad habits.

1920-1940’s Events: Roaring 20’s Masses had more money The Great Depression Unemployment, which put great stress on the family. Families split apart to find work.. Branch out across the U.S. Government Policy: WPA- Work Project Administration Universities offered parenting classes Parents magazines began

1920-1940’s (continued) Child Theorists: Arnold Gessel- Researched typical growth & development patterns like when a typical child starts crawling, walking, and running. Growth charts. Erik Erickson- Child’s behavior develops in stages. A person can change over time, “ego” development is a lifetime process.

1940-1960’s Events: World War II Rock’n Roll/Elvis/Hollywood Mass market production: cars, TV's, appliances, etc. Increase birthrate (baby boomers!!) Government Policy: GI Bill National Mental Health Act- child’s psychological well-being Lobby group- American Parent’s Association.

1940-1960’s (continued) Child Theorist: Bolby- Researched and wrote about mother/child attachment, they were connected “emotionally”. Skinner- Focused on a child’s environment and the influence it had. Reinforced the positive behavior with social praise. “Notice the good behavior and reward it.” Dr. Spock- A pediatrician emphasized flexibility and moderation in child rearing. Trust their feelings, heart, and enjoy parenting. (RELAX)!!

1960-1980’s Events: Idealism Multiple political associations Civil Rights Vietnam War Feminism Watergate Racial Protests Government Policy: War on Poverty Headstart Programs begin Child Abuse Laws and Regulations Child Care Programs Disability Programs

1960-1980’s (Continued) Child Theorists: Piaget- Psychologist focusing on how children think and learn at different stages. He believed children learn because they are motivated to make sense of the world. Maslow- A psychologist who believed we all need to satisfy our basic needs before we grow intellectually & emotionally. Bauminud- Focused on parenting styles and family dynamics.

1980-2000’s Events: Yuppies, two-income household Balance between work and family AIDS epidemic Homelessness increases Internet Government Policy: Family Leave Act State Initiative to develop parent education programs Initiatives for young, unmarried mothers & fathers

1980-2000’s (Continued) Child Theorists: Brofenbrenner- Social ecology theory of people surrounding the child to cause influence; like the family, child care providers, religion, work and government and other influence on culture and values. Brazelton- Focused on understanding the individual differences in children and how family lifestyles are changing. “Listen to the child! He/she is giving you cues!”