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.
Carers can be parents, parents can be carers, but not all carers are parents.
(Beattie, B. Rayner, K. Rayner and Roberts; 2009)
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.

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

Activity One
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrxjanbSb2o

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 Two
Both
Using assisted reproductive technologies
Unprotected sex
Consulting a GP before trying to fall pregnant
Engaging in sexual intercourse during ovulation
Unwanted sex
Improper use of contraceptive

Activity Three
Excited Scared
Happy Unsure
Prepared
Stressed
Nervous
Apprehensive
Nervous
Apprehensive

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
Engaging in sexual intercourse during ovulation
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.

Activity Four
Preparations for Becoming a Parent
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
Emotional
- Discuss thoughts, feelings and issues with partner
- Work on selfregulation techniques
- Recognise that other children may become jealous
Economic
- Create a family budget
- Discuss return to work
- Purchase equipment for baby
- Adjust payments for bills and other commitments

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

Activity Five
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 http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/your_relationship_video.html/context/1075

Activity Six
Current and Future areas for
Development
A
A
CURRENT
(Finding out you are pregnant)
Parenting groups can provide you with
Parenting groups can provide you with moral support before the baby is born moral support before the baby is born
Attend prenatal classes for the development of various skills and knowledge
FUTURE
(After the baby is born)
Parenting groups can provide you with a
Parenting groups can provide you with a means to ask questions about your means to ask questions about your experiences experiences
Attending courses after the baby is born to help build skills in breast feeding, baby massage and/or settling techniques
N
N
Enrol in pre-natal yoga or another activity to meet other new mothers
Need to read and research on various ways to raise your child ways to raise your child
Enrol in planned physical activity or recreational activities to have some childfree time
Need to research on various childcare or schooling for the child schooling for the child
Time spent with your partner is precious
Support services are used to assist in various areas of child rearing