Parenting and Families 2.1 Child Development 1

Ms. J Thomas

Key TermsParenting

Caring for children and helping them grow and develop

Emotional Maturity Being responsible consistently,

putting other’s needs before yours.

Parenting: Learning ProcessNeed 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

Reasonable Expectations“Act your Age.”

“How old are you anyway?”

1st 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.

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.

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

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

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

Making Decisions About P. HoodEmotional Maturity

Is one truly equipped to provide care for a child?

Desire for ParenthoodSome believe having a child will help them solve

some personal problems (low self-esteem, marital problems).

Health ConsiderationsBefore pregnancy both parents should have

medical c.u.Age of women, under 17 , over 35 is riskier

Making Decisions About P. Hood

Financial ConcernsClothes, medical, food, equipment, etc…Discuss BEFORE pregnancy

Resource Management Skills

Resource Management Skills1. 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

Review Questions1. 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