ACHPER NSW Community and Family Studies HSC Enrichment Day 2012 Parenting and Caring

A parent is someone who plays an integral role in the development of children in their family unit. Parents contribute to raising and nurturing children in their care. There are two types of parents, biological and social parents. a Carer… a Parent… A carer is someone who supports the needs and wellbeing of the person within their care due to age, disability, and/or illness. There are two types of carers, paid and unpaid. Carers can be parents, parents can be carers, but not all carers are parents. (Beattie, B. Rayner, K. Rayner and Roberts; 2009)

Students learn aboutStudents learn to becoming parents and carers biological parents pregnancy - planned - unplanned examine what it means to be a parent, either biological or social, for both females and males managing parenting and caring responsibilities preparations for becoming a parent or carer social changes parents and carers may have to make examine current and future areas for development necessary as a consequence of becoming a parent or carer Syllabus Content (Board of Studies NSW, 2009)

What does it mean to be a Biological or Social parent? Activity One

A biological parent provides the genetic material through the sperm and ovum to create a foetus during intercourse or using reproductive technologies. A social parent does not share the same genetic relationship with their child. They include foster, adoptive, step and surrogate parents. There are various legal and social implications of social parenting. Activity One

Focus Question Compare the impact of planned and unplanned pregnancy on the emotional wellbeing of parents (8 marks) ( Board of Studies NSW, 2004)

Becoming a Biological Parent Planned Vs Unplanned Pregnancy PlannedBothUnplanned Using assisted reproductive technologies Unprotected sexUnwanted sex Consulting a GP before trying to fall pregnant Engaging in sexual intercourse during ovulation Improper use of contraceptive Activity Two

Compare Emotional Impact Planned Excited Happy Prepared Nervous Apprehensive Unplanned Scared Unsure StressedNervousApprehensive Pregnancy as a result of Unprotected Sex Activity Three

Pregnancy as a result of Unprotected Sex Planned: Feelings of joy, happiness and preparedness because they have planned for the pregnancy emotionally and have discussed the pregnancy at length as a couple. Unplanned: Feelings of fear and nervousness because they are not prepared for the pregnancy as it something they have not discussed or planned for as a couple. Activity Three

Planned: Feelings of elation and preparedness for the birth of the baby because the couple decided to engage in sexual intercourse during ovulation as it is the ideal time to fall pregnant as a woman as a woman is the most fertile. Unplanned: Feelings of panic and worry for the couple involved because they are caught off guard and took a risk engaging in sexual intercourse while the woman was the most fertile. Engaging in sexual intercourse during ovulation Activity Three

Physical - Attend prenatal courses - Improve health before conception - Cease use of alcohol and other drugs - Regular appointments with doctors and specialists Social - Arrange child-free time with partner - Investigate available support services - Seek support from other family members - Attend parenting groups Economic - Create a family budget - Discuss return to work - Purchase equipment for baby - Adjust payments for bills and other commitments Emotional - Discuss thoughts, feelings and issues with partner - Work on self- regulation techniques - Recognise that other children may become jealous Preparations for Becoming a Parent. Activity Four

Focus Question Describe social changes females and males make when preparing to become parents (4 marks) (Board of Studies NSW, 2003)

Social Changes when Preparing to Become a Parent Notes … Tension arises between parents Disagreements Patience is stressed Relationship is tested Blame Pressure to return to work Pressure to be the bread winner Working causes issues Sleep deprivation, especially for mother Isolation May hide feelings Isolated from friends May feel they can’t socialise without their children and/or partner Disconnectedness from those friends without children Activity Five

Current and Future areas for Development CURRENT (Finding out you are pregnant) FUTURE (After the baby is born) P Parenting groups can provide you with moral support before the baby is born Parenting groups can provide you with a means to ask questions about your experiences A Attending courses after the baby is born to help build skills in breast feeding, baby massage and/or settling techniques R Relationship building with friends who are already parents Relationships are strengthened between friends who have children and outings are planned together E Enrol in pre-natal yoga or another activity to meet other new mothers N Need to read and research on various ways to raise your child Need to research on various childcare or schooling for the child T Time spent together as a family is important for the strengthening of relationships and bonding S Support services are investigated CURRENT (Finding out you are pregnant) FUTURE (After the baby is born) P Parenting groups can provide you with moral support before the baby is born Parenting groups can provide you with a means to ask questions about your experiences A Attend prenatal classes for the development of various skills and knowledge Attending courses after the baby is born to help build skills in breast feeding, baby massage and/or settling techniques R Relationship building with friends who are already parents Relationships are strengthened between friends who have children and outings are planned together E Enrol in pre-natal yoga or another activity to meet other new mothers Enrol in planned physical activity or recreational activities to have some child- free time N Need to read and research on various ways to raise your child Need to research on various childcare or schooling for the child T Time spent with your partner is precious Time spent together as a family is important for the strengthening of relationships and bonding S Support services are investigatedSupport services are used to assist in various areas of child rearing Activity Six

Good luck for CAFS and your HSC!