1. Child Development 1 Ms. J Thomas

2. Key Terms Parenting Caring for children and helping them grow and develop Emotional Maturity Being responsible consistently, putting other’s needs before yours.

3. Parenting: Learning Process Need to know when to help, and when to let child complete task on their own Need to know when to encourage to try different activities Skills parents need change as child gets older

4. Reasonable Expectations “Act your Age.” “How old are you anyway?” 1 st step in effective parenting is understanding what to expect from a child at a certain. Still remember each child is an individual. Some may need extra encouragement in certain areas.

5. Developing Parenting Skills 1. Read reliable books, articles, and online information. 2. Gain experience working with or caring for children. 3. Ask advice form experienced parents. 4. Observe parents and children whenever possible.

6. Changes Parenthood Brings New Responsibilities Once one becomes a parent, no longer can they think of only their needs Child’s needs are first and foremost Changes in Lifestyle Caring for a child (especially a newborn) takes a lot of time and energy. Less time to spend with friends, due to dinner, bathing, bedtime etc… Preparation for understanding changes helps

7. Changes Parenthood Brings Cont. Emotional Adjustments Fear—of not being a good parent Frustration—loss of personal freedom and new responsibilities Worry—monies Jealousy—Baby receiving more attention then parent Depression—due to exhaustion and physical changes

8. Changes Parenthood Brings cont. Changes in Relationships Notice change in interaction with others. Parents may feel overwhelmed by concerns, negative emotions, and lack of sleep. Key is to communicate effectively with partner Employment Some parents stop working or cut back hours to care for child Employers may have policies to help working parents Maternity/Paternity Leave

9. Making Decisions About P. Hood Emotional Maturity Is one truly equipped to provide care for a child? Desire for Parenthood Some believe having a child will help them solve some personal problems (low self-esteem, marital problems). Health Considerations Before pregnancy both parents should have medical c.u. Age of women, under 17, over 35 is riskier

10. Making Decisions About P. Hood Financial Concerns Clothes, medical, food, equipment, etc… Discuss BEFORE pregnancy Resource Management Skills

11. 1. Set Goals What is important 2. Identify Resources What do you need to attain your goal 3. Make a Plan How will you use the resources 4. Put the Plan into Action Work toward goal 5. Reevaluate from time to time Step back and review progress, make changes if needed

12. Review Questions 1. Why do parents have to change the way they parent over the years? 2. What are three ways to build parenting skills? 3. Describe the adjustment people face when they become parents 4. Name two steps to good resource management, and tell how these steps relate to parenting