EXPANDING FAMILIES
Parents and Childrearing
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“There is no stage that brings about more profound
change or challenge to the nuclear and extended
family than the addition of a new child to the
family system” (Bradt, 1989)
Transition to parenthood
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Normative event full of many transitions
Couples have to negotiate roles as primary
caregivers
May experience a decrease in marital satisfaction
Change in finances (parental leave, costs assoc. with
babies, child care costs etc.)
EI = 55% of income and is subject to taxation.
Difficult to make up financial losses associate with
first years of parenting a new child
Transition to parenthood
Relationships
 Systems theory sees this transition as a major shift in
family unit.
 Relationships with extended family are rebuilt.
Relationships with friends can become strained
 Workplace roles are renegotiated. Generally it is
the woman who provides childcare however there is
an increase in the number men taking on these roles
(usually report greater marital satisfaction)
Parent-Child Relationships
Attachment is defined as the behaviours that
represent the need of the infant to attain and
maintain proximity and protection with an available
and responsive caregiver
Freud saw the quality of attachment between mother
and child laid foundation for personality growth and
adaptability
Attachment
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Most research has focused on mother-child bond
however recent research has shifted focus to fathers
Fathers of securely attahced infants more
extroverted and agreeable, high levels of selfesteem and had positive
marriageshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx8R
RIiP53Q
Six Functions of the Family
Function
Maintenance and care of group members
What does it look like
Parents must provide for the physical needs of their children.
They need to provide food, shelter, clothing, and medical
care. We may need to provide care for other members of our
families like grandparents or ill relatives.
Addition of new members
New members are added to families through the birthing
process or adoption.
Socialization of children
Families teach children the skills, knowledge, values, and
attitudes of the society in which they live.
Social control of its members
Families teach children how they are to behave and what is
expected of them. Parents discipline children to teach them
right and wrong. A variety of discipline techniques are used
to control family members (i.e. grounding, removing
privileges, time out).
Production, consumption, and distribution of goods and
services
Family members work to earn money, which in turn is used to
purchase the goods and services needed to maintain the
family.
Affective nurturance - love
Families provide love. They work to meet the emotional needs
of its members.
Family Fundamentals
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Why are parent-child relationships important?
The
parent-child relationship is the child’s most
important relationship. Factors that may influence this
relationship include parental characteristics, the stability
of the parents’ marriage, and the child’s characteristics.
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The perceived competency of the parents affects
the effectiveness of their parenting.
Older,
more experienced, confident individuals are
more competent parents.
Socialization: Primary Groups &
Secondary Groups
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Physical, emotional, psychological, and social development
occurs through socialization.
Families contribute to the development of their children’s
self-esteem, personality, and negotiation skill set. In the
context of their families, children learn their gender roles.
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How can/does this happen?
Attachment Theory explains the infant’s need to be close to
another person, and the security that results when this
proximity is accomplished, as a normal, biological
expression of social beings.
Socialization: Primary Groups &
Secondary Groups
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Early parent-child relationships establish the pattern for how a child
experiences interactions with others later in life.
Children develop and gain independence with the encouragement
and care of their families.
Children learn appropriate behaviours from the teaching of their
parents, but they also learn implied lessons through observing
people's interactions to others and their reactions to various
situations.
Families prepare young children to participate in other socializing
institutions, secondary groups, such as schools, peers, media,
organizations, and institutions.
What are Secondary Agents?
Corporations As Agents of
Socialization
Mickey Mouse Monopoly
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Beauty and the Beast
Influences on Parenting Styles
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Internal Factors:
 Personality:
Your attitude toward life and its
challenges will determine how you approach the
challenges of parenting
 HOW???
 Are
you an optimist or a pessimist?
 How do you handle your anger?
 Are you affectionate?
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Your feelings about children: A
parent's beliefs about children and
childrearing will impact on the way in
which they interact with children. These
beliefs are often the result of our own
experiences as a young child and as a
member of a family.
How???
Parenting values: It is important to
consider what you value before you
become a parent. What is more
important - your family or your career?
How do you like to spend your free time
– with your friends or family?
Influences on Parenting Styles
Continued
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External Factors:
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Social and Cultural Influences: Our values are deeply rooted in culture.
Cultures have different values and in turn influence parenting practices.
Parenting is influenced by the culture in which you were raised & the
cultural practices you choose to follow.
Economic conditions: Unemployment, interest rates, & taxes all impact
on the amount of money available to families to raise their children.
Social policies: Government policies will impact on parenting.
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Laws have been established to protect children from abuse.
Other laws relate to child custody and support.
Governments also provide support to families in a variety of ways through
specialized and subsidized programs.
Parental roles and social expectations: As society evolves so do
expectations on parents.
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Women in the workforce, men taking more active roles in parenting including
paternity leave.
Authoritarian
Authoritative
Permissive
Uninvolved
Which parenting style is this?
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Youtube videos
What parenting style did your parent/s use? What
parenting style would you adopt?
REVIEW: Parenting Styles