Would you apply for this position?

Wanted: Caregiver to rear one or two children from birth to maturity. A seven-day-a-week, twenty-four-hour-a-day position. No salary or benefits such as sick leave or holiday pay, no

retirement plan. Caregiver must supply all living expenses for self and children; in the event of any

absence, even for a few minutes with younger children, must supply substitute care. No

opportunity to meet child or children to determine compatibility before taking the position.

Motivation and job satisfaction must come from within applicant, as neither children nor society

regularly express gratitude or appreciation.

Would you apply for this position?!

Wanted ads probably wouldn’t attract many applicants, however…

In everyday life, 4 million people take on this position each year!

What does it mean to be a parent?

An individual who fosters all facets of a child’s growth- who nourishes, protects,

and guides new life through the course of its development.

Why do people take on the job?

We appear to be preprogrammed to respond positively to babies. Who wouldn’t be drawn to the proportionately larger heads,

big eyes and foreheads and chubby cheeks?!

Why do people take on the job?

Societies influence of the positive value of having childrenIn order for society to keep growing, children

are needed!Society describes parenthood as a sign of

maturity and adulthoodPressure from parents who want to become

grandparent

Reason for wanting children

Love and satisfying relationship with others

Stimulation and excitement at watching the child grow

A means of self development- becoming more responsible, more sensitive, more skilled in relationships.

A way of achieving adult status- parenthood is “proof” of maturity.

A sense of creativity and achievement in helping the child grow.

An expression of moral and religious belief.

Utility- the belief that children will care for parents when parents are older or ill.

So… are there any advantages to having a child?

Parents reported having more than twice as many joys as problems in

child rearing.

These joys relate to the child’s individual qualities, not to outstanding

achievements.

Reasons for not wanting children?

Restrictions Loss of freedom, loss of time for other activities,

increase in workload

Negative feelings towards children Worries, concerns and fears

Concerns about the child being poorly cared for

Parenting is a ProcessWe’ve noted that parents responsibility is to

protect and nurture children, but parenting is not a one way street.

Parenting is a process of action and interaction between parent and child, a process in which both parties change each other as they grow to adulthood.

For those of you with siblings…

Were you and your sibling parented the same way?

Probably not. No two children are identical. Therefore, parents have to adjust there parenting

style in order to match the child’s individual characteristics.

3 Major Influences on the Parenting Process:

The child’s characteristics and individuality

The parent’s personal history, psychological characteristics, and resources

The social context of stresses and supports

Role of a Parent

Human Capital: skills, ability and knowledge that parents bring to parenting

Financial Capital: income that enables them to provide food, shelter, clothing, etc

Social Capital: quality of relationships within the home and relationships between parents and the larger community