Child Development Section 2-1 “Parenting and Families” Mrs. Moore Room 202

Parenting Parenting – caring for children and helping them grow and develop. Parenting requires understanding a child’s needs and meeting those needs. Parenting requires good judgment. Parents aren’t the only ones who need parenting skills. Anyone who comes in contact with children can benefit from these skills.

Have Reasonable Expectations “Why won’t you act your age?” Children do tend to act their age. It’s the adults who often don’t know what to expect from children at different stages. Parents also need to remember that each child is unique.

How do you develop parenting skills? Classes in child development Courses in parenting offered by hospitals, schools, or community groups Reading books or articles Gaining experience by working or caring for children Ask for advice from other parents Observation

Galinsky’s Stages of Parenthood Time period Parents’ tasks Image-Making Pregnancy Begin to imagine themselves as parents Nurturing Birth to age 2 Become emotionally attached to child and may question worth of other priorities Authority Ages 2 to 4-5 Determine rules and clarify role as authority figure Interpretive Ages 4-5 to 13 Rethink their roles as parents and decide what skills, values, and knowledge child needs Interdependent Adolescence Establish boundaries and find disciplinary methods appropriate for teens Departure Child Leaves Home Evaluate their parenting

The Challenges of Parenthood New responsibilities – Parents must consider their child’s needs before their own. First-time parents can feel overwhelmed by their new responsibilities. Family, friends, and support groups can help.

The Challenges of Parenthood (cont.) Changes in Lifestyle – caring for a child takes a huge amount of time and responsibility. With children, in general, parents have limits placed on their personal freedom. Parents must fix dinner, bathe the children, spend time with them, and put them to bed.

The Challenges of Parenthood (cont.) Emotional Adjustments – Many parents go through such emotions as: * Fear of not being a good parent. * Frustration at the loss of personal freedom. * Worry over money matters. * Jealousy of the baby and the attention he/she is receiving. * Depression due to exhaustion or physical changes of pregnancy and birth.

The Challenges of Parenthood (cont.) Changes in Relationships – Some new parents may feel overwhelmed and appreciate the help and support of the new grandparents. Being new parents may make the couple feel closer to their own parents. Some parents, though, often resent their parents for offering advice because it is perceived as criticism.

The Challenges of Parenthood (cont.) Employment – Some parents stop working or cut back on their hours to care for their children. Some employers have policies to help working parents such as daycares, flexible work hours, part-time work, or work-at-home options.

Rewards of Parenthood While it can be challenging, parenting brings many joys and a sense of accomplishment. It can also strengthen an already strong marriage.

Making Decisions About Parenthood Emotional Maturity – People who are emotionally mature are responsible enough to consistently put someone’s needs above their own needs. They are secure enough to devote their attention to a child without expecting anything in return. They can also control their anger when a child cries for a long period of time.

Making Decisions About Parenthood (cont.) Desire for Parenthood – People should not see having children as a means to solve problems such as self-esteem or marital problems. Not all reasons for wanting children indicate a readiness for parenthood.

Making Decisions About Parenthood (cont.) Health Considerations – Before pregnancy, it is best for both prospective parents to have a medical check-up. Some medical problems can affect the health of the baby or the parent’s ability to care for the child. Also, if a mother is under 17 or over 35, pregnancy is riskier for both the mother and baby.

Making Decisions About Parenthood (cont.) Financial Concerns – Raising a child is expensive. It requires the financial resources to pay for clothes, food, health care, equipment, and other expenses. Couples should consider the costs of having a child BEFORE they have one.