1. 2.1 Parenting and Families
Responsibilities of parenting

2. Parenting
The process of caring for children and helping them grow and develop.
Can be very complicated.
Impacts individuals, families, and societies
One of the most important roles in a person’s life.

3. Making a Positive Difference
Treat others with kindness and consideration
Some neighborhood children can benefit from having a teen friend.
Volunteer or work with children

4. Learning About Child Development
What to expect when raising children
What to expect when you are expecting
Parenting skills
Discipline options
Learn and understand what the child may be going through (developmental stages)
Interacting with children positively

5. Parenthood Readiness Parenting Skills- can be learned!!
Take classes in child development and parenting in school, at hospitals, community groups, and private instructors.
Read reliable books, magazine articles, etc.
Gain experience
Ask for advice
Observe parents and children

6. Stages of Parenthood Psychologist Ellen Galinsky
Between Generations: The Six Stages of Parenthood
Research finding based on interviews with parents
Galinsky describes how parents develop through their interaction with their children.

7. Stages of Parenthood Stage 1: Image-Making Time Period: Pregnancy
Parents’ Task: Begin to imagine themselves as parents.

8. Stages of Parenthood Stage 2: Nurturing Time Period: Birth to Age 2
Parents’ Task:
Become emotionally attached to the child.
May question relative worth of other priorities

9. Stages of Parenthood Stage 3: Authority Time Period: Age 2 to 4 or 5
Parents’ Task:
Determine rules
Clarify role as authority figure

10. Stages of Parenthood Stage 4: Interpretive
Time Period: Age 4-5 to Age 13
Parents’ Task:
Rethink their role as parents
Decide what knowledge, skills, and values the child needs

11. Stages of Parenthood Stage 5: Interdependent Time Period: Adolescence
Parents’ Task:
Establish boundaries
Find disciplinary methods appropriate for teens

12. Stages of Parenthood Stage 6- Departure Time Period: Child leaves home
Parents’ Task:
Evaluate their parenting

13. New Responsibilities / Changes
Lifestyle Change
Less free time (or “ME” time)
Emotional Adjustment
Stressful
Negative emotions are normal (fear, frustration, worry, jealously, depression due to exhaustion)
Relationship Changes
COMMUNICATE!!!!!
Employment Adjustments
Legal Responsibilities

14. Rewards Can bring a lot of joy and happiness See the world differently
Enrich an already strong marriage / family
Great sense of accomplishment and pride

15. What are the five area’s of parenthood readiness?
Emotional Maturity
Desire to be a parent
Health
Financial Responsibility
Resource Management

16. Parenthood Readiness
Emotional Maturity- being responsible enough to consistently put someone else’s needs before your own needs.

17. Parenthood Readiness Desire for Parenthood
Do you want to have children?
Why do you want children?
Are you ready to handle the challenges of parenthood?

18. Parenthood Readiness
Health Consideration- get a medical check up. Some medical problems can affect the health of the baby or the parents’ ability to care for a child.
Consider Age: under 17 or over 35 pregnancy is riskier for both the mother and baby.

19. Parenthood Readiness
Financial Concerns- Raising a child is expensive. How will you pay for clothes, health care, food, equipment, toys, childcare, etc.

20. Parenthood Readiness
Resource Management Skills- parents need to use their resources wisely.
Five Key Steps:
Set Goals- what is important.
Identify Resources- make a list
Make a Plan- decide how you will use your resources
Put the Plan in Action- start working towards the goal.
Re-Evaluate from Time to Time- step back and take a look at progress.

21. Family Goals Buying a house Buying a Car
Sending the child to preschool
Education
Vacation