Unit 1:Preparation for Parenthood

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)

Believed that personality develops in a series of stages

:Childhood is very important, its effects are longer lasting

Jean Piaget (1896-1980)

Believed that all children go through 4 stages of learning

:Children must have appropriate learning tasks given

Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934)

Believed that biological development and cultural experience influence a child's ability to learn

:Children should have opportunity for consistent social interactions

Erik Erikson (1902-1994)

Believed that personality develops in stages and each stages have unique psychological crisis

:Caregivers should be aware of children's needs in each stage of development and must support them

B. F. Skinner (1904-1990)

Believed that child will repeat their action when resulted positive. However, negative results will make their action stop

:By the use of positive and negative feedback, caregivers can affect a child's behaviour

Urie Bronfenbrenner (1917-2005)

Believed that environment/society/community/family impacts a child's development

:Child relationship with a caregiver needs to be stable, loving and lasting

Albert Bandura (1925-)

Believes that children learn by imitating others.

:Caregivers must be a good role model for their children to follow

You can easily find more accessible resources by searching up online

Family Education Center (Click the icon beside to go to the website)

Association of Parent Support Groups in Ontario (Click the icon beside to go to the website)

Community Resources can be a big help and you can access to wider spectrum of ways of parenting

Are You Ready To Be A Parent?: Ask yourself...

IF YOU'RE A SINGLE PARENT, DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH SUPPORT?

IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP STABLE?

CAN YOU AFFORD IT?

ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP SOMETHING YOU WANT FOR THE CHILD?

DO YOU KNOW/ARE YOU READY TO PARENT?

"Considering the fact that parenting skills can be acquired and passed on from one generation to another, continuous efforts to improve the quality of care-giving are important" (Child Encyclopedia, 2015)

Emotionally

Should be emotionally stable

Ready to be there for your child always

Physically

Your health is important to take care of your child 24/7

Needs to be physically fit to protect your child

Financially

According to MoneySense.ca, the average cost of raising a child to age 18 is around $243,660

That is $12,825 per year

Maternity Leave

$485 per week or $45,900 a year

Lost Wages

After taking 5 years off, more likely to earn 15% less

Mandatory Expenses

Costs thousands of dollars in total

Ongoing Expenses

$48,760 for food and clothing

Child Care

$700-$1000 per month

Shelter

Until age of 18, it will end up costing $51,680

$2720 per year

$226.67 per month

Emotionally

Emotional changes

Relationship changes

Struggle with your child's behavior

Struggle with your partner

Fear of not being a good parent

Frustration at the loss of personal freedom

Worry over money matters

Jealousy of the baby

Depression due to exhaustion

Physically

Tiring

For mothers, after birth can be physically difficult

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Lifestyle changes

Career

You might have finance loss after returning from maternity leave

During maternity leave/parental leave, you are not able to work which may affect the promotion, etc

New Responsibilities

Legal responsibilities of Parents and Guardians

In Canada, the legal responsibilities of parent and guardians are outlined under provincial law

In Ontario,

Parental responsibility act

Child and family services act of Ontario

All caregivers have a legal duty to preserve the life and health of their children

Providing adequate shelter

Providing adequate food

Providing adequate care

Providing medical care

Providing clothing

Providing suitable education

Parents must make sure their children are not abused or neglected

Parents are responsible for supervising their children

This connects to Challenges and responsibilities

Relationship with the partner

Relationship with your partner is very important

Family Pressure

Reasons for Parenting

Aim to give rather than to get

Always be available

Ready for a child

Looking forward to the process of raising children

Desire for Parenthood

Finance

If you and your partner it not able to afford a child, this might be a big problem in becoming a parent

Challenges and Responsibilities

Parenting is a 24/7 job

Legal obligations "As a Caregiver..."

Provide food, shelter, and education

Provide adequate care

Provide medical care

Social obligations "As a Caregiver..."

Take responsibilities for a child's behavior in public

Teach a child to respect others

Teach what is right and wrong

Feeling of Accomplishment

Personal Growth

As your child grows, you as a parent will grow

Mothers often say that they learn from their children

Proud to see your child grow

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Confidence

Showing kids your confidence can make your child feel safe and free to express their feelings

You can develop your confidence by believing in yourself and building up on your career or what you are passionate about

Realistic

Realistic view of a caregiver is important in order to parent a child

You can develop this skill by planning about future because as you plan your future, you will think about obstacles you may face and its outcome, etc

Resourceful

Being resourceful allows your child to feel free and comfortable with their needs

You can be resourceful by working hard for your children as well as being informed of other current events to be prepared with future problem, etc

Humor

Having humor will allow a child to feel happy and to enjoy spending time

You can develop your humor by not thinking too serious at all time

Sensitive

Sensitivity is good to support your child and give them sympathetic advice

You can read more articles on how a child's emotion develop and try to think about ways you can give sympathy

Team Member

Team work within your family is important to make your child feel connected

You can develop this skill by doing activities that include everyone (Family board games, activities, etc)

Sacrifice

Being able to sacrifice yourself for your child is important

You can develop this skills by having more responsibility about your child

Set Limits

Setting limits/rules is important and will help educate your child

Trying to come up with a own adequate family rule will help

Establish Routines

Setting routines will make your child and yourself to have a healthier lifestyle by planning ahead, prepared, etc

Give Encouragement

Giving encouragement to a child is important for them to grow, learn lessons from their mistakes, and to try new things

Give compliments and encourage your child every time they accomplish, or complete something

1. Image-Making

Pregnancy/Adoption

Imagine oneself as a caregiver

2. Nurturing

Birth- 2 years

Emotionally attached to the child

3. Authority

2-5 years

Determine rules

4. Interpretive

5-13 years

Deciding values, skills and knowledge the child needs

5. Interdependent

Adolescence

Establish boundaries

6. Departure

Child leaves home

Evaluate one's parenting