3. Parenting And Caring

Question 1

What is a biological parent?

Answer 1

A biological parent is one that has provided the genetic material to create a foetus through a natural conception.

Question 2

Name a describe the acronym for social parents.

Answer 2

FASS
F - Fostering: Foster parents are volunteers who are paid a fortnightly allowance (based on the child’s age) to help meet the needs of the child, such as buying furniture or clothing.

A - Adoption: Adoption is one of the options used to provide permanent care for children. It is a legal process where all legal rights and responsibilities are transferred from birth parents to adoptive parents

S - Step parenting: An individual becomes a step parent when they marry into a de facto relationship with a partner who has a child or children from a previous relationship.

S - Surrogacy: Surrogacy is an arrangement between a couple who cannot have a baby and a woman who gets pregnant on behalf of a couple. It is the intention that the child is handed over to the couple after the birth.

Question 3

Explore the impact of legal, social and technological change on adoption.

Answer 3

legislation - The Adoption act 2000 and Family Law Act 1975 state that all rights and responsibilities are transferred from the birth parents to the adoptive parent/s.

Community beliefs and attitudes - Adoption has become more acceptable thanks to celebrities such as Angelina Jolie giving it positive attention in the media.

Technology - Improvements in reproductive technologies have impacted the number of children adopted as more parents attempt to have children through IVF.

Question 4

Explore the impact of legal, social and technological change on fostering.

Answer 4

legislation - Fostering is applied for through a non-government agency. The Child and Young Person’s act 1998 states that carers have certain rights and responsibilities. Foster parents must consult with Family and Community Services about issues such as schooling.

Community beliefs and attitudes - Fostering has become more socially acceptable as it helps form cultural connections between children and the foster family. Families feel like they are giving back to the community encouraging others to do the same.

Technology - Social media and technology, such as Skype, make it easier for children and their birth parents to stay connected while the children are in foster care.

Question 5

Explore the impact of legal, social and technological change on step parenting.

Answer 5

legislation - As a step parent, the individual has no legal responsibility for the child. The parent may wish to legally adopt the child however, this meaning that they have equal rights to inheritance etc.

Community beliefs and attitudes - Step parenting is much more common; this could be directly related to social acceptance, remarrying and the increasing divorce rates.

Technology - Step-parents would probably experience the same or similar issues as biological parents with regard to the safety, costs and pressures associated with technological changes.

Question 6

Explore the impact of legal, social and technological change on surrogacy.

Answer 6

legislation - Surrogacy Act 2010 (NSW) makes commercial surrogacy illegal, however many couples travel to India and Thailand to undergo commercial surrogacy.

Community beliefs and attitudes - Society tends to have a mixed view on surrogacy. Many religions are still against any form of intervention with natural conception. Some people within the community are concerned by the fact that, in some Australian states, IVF is not available to gay couples.

Technology - Issue of ‘social infertility’: some women choose to freeze their viable eggs in the hope that they will find a suitable partner; if natural conception is not achieved, the frozen eggs may be used instead.

Question 7

Name and describe the types of carers.

Answer 7

Primary - A primary carer refers to someone who provides the most informal assistance to a person with a disability or over the age of 60; ongoing for at least 6 months.

Informal - An informal carer is any person, such as a family member, friend or neighbour, who is giving regular, ongoing assistance to another person without payment.

Formal - Formal carers include trained professionals who provide care through formal agencies or institutions and are paid for their service.

Question 8

Provide data on carers.

Answer 8

• There were 2.65 million carers, representing 10.8% of all Australians
• 3.5% of all Australians were primary carers.
• Females were more likely to be carers (12.3% of all females) than males (9.3% of all males).

Question 9

Recall data on the reasons for carers taking on the

role.

Answer 9

Majority of primary carers reported that a sense of responsibility (Approx. 70%) was the sole reason why they have taken on the position, however (Approx. 47%) claimed they felt an emotional obligation and (Approx. 46%) felt that they were able to provide better care than anyone else.

Question 10

Describe the role of parents and carers in satisfying the specific needs of the dependent and its significance.

Answer 10

The aim of this role is to meet an adequate standard of living for the dependant. Parents/carers are expected to provide food (wholesome, appropriate), clothing (clean) and shelter (safety and security). This role may be classified as one of the most important as it determines the overall health and quality of life for the dependent.

Question 11

Describe the role of parents and carers in building a positive relationship with the dependant and its significance.

Answer 11

A positive relationship is where both parties grow as a result of the interaction. It can occur from birth through love and affection or sharing experiences and growing together overtime. Building a positive relationship with the dependent will make the carer/parents job much easier as the individual will listen to their instructions and advice in caring for themselves.

Question 12

Describe the role of parents and carers in promoting the wellbeing of the dependant
and its significance.

Answer 12

The wellbeing of the dependent will be influenced by how well their needs are met by their parent/carer. These include appropriate food, clothing and shelter. This role is important for the dependent as the carer provides them with a better quality of life among all aspects of health and wellbeing.


Question 13

What is the acronym describing the preparations for becoming a parent.

Answer 13

COME
C - Changing health behaviours

O - Organising finances

M - Modifying the physical environment

E - Enhancing knowledge and skills

Question 14

What are the preparations for becoming a parent or carer in changing health behaviours.

Answer 14

Parent - There are specific health behaviours that can be changed to optimise the development of the baby and reduce risks when pregnant. These include

• maintaining a healthy, balanced diet
• drinking 2+ litres of water per day
• ceasing alcohol and other drug use

Carer - Carers also need to make positive changes in their health behaviours. In terms of nutrition and physical activity, this may include:
- eating a variety of fresh, nutritious foods and making them available to the dependant where appropriate

• engaging in a variety of physical activities to assist in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and carrying out activities such as playing, lifting, showering and bathing.

Question 15

What are the preparations for becoming a parent or carer in enhancing knowledge and skills.

Answer 15

Parent - Knowledge and skills include education, information and training. Parents can enhance their knowledge and their skills through education and training offered by both formal and informal groups and resources.

Carer - Depending on their role, carers may engage in education and training in a variety of settings. Informal carers may partake in online courses or workshops to assist in the care of their dependant

Question 16

What are the preparations for becoming a parent or carer in modifying the physical environment.

Answer 16

Parent - Modifying the environment includes modifying housing, amenities and equipment. Parents could move from a one-bedroom or studio apartment to a house with space for the dependent.

Carer - Carers may need to consider the living arrangements of their family to help prepare for the dependant. For other dependants, carers will need to find places to safely store wheelchairs, walking frames or other specialised equipment.

Question 17

What are the preparations for becoming a parent or carer in organising finances.

Answer 17

Parent - organising finances includes budgeting, saving and setting up support payments. Parents must consider the medical expenses, clothing etc. The costs associated with supporting a child may assisted through government payments for example, Family Tax Benefit.

Carer - Budgeting needs to take place in order for carers to be financially prepared for the arrival of the dependant. Carers need to discuss the potential costs of modifying the education and equipment etc. Carers can access support payments to assist in caring for the dependent, for example Carer Payment and Carer Allowance (e.g Carer Allowance).

Question 18

What are the characteristics of dependents?

Answer 18

• Age
• Skills/capabilities
• Special needs

Question 19

Describe how the age of the dependant can affect the roles of the parent or carer.

Answer 19

The age and maturity of the dependent will determine their specific needs. For example, a baby or young child requires great assistance and support to satisfy the needs for food, clothing and safety. No matter the age of the dependant the parent/carer should be working to build a positive relationship by supporting the needs of the dependant.

Question 20

Describe how the skills/capabilities of the dependant can affect the roles of the parent or carer.

Answer 20

The skills and capabilities of the dependant will influence the role of the parent or carer. An adolescent may contribute to meeting their health needs by participating in physical activity, preparing and eating a range of fresh food and abstaining from alcohol and drug use.

Question 21

Describe how the special needs of the dependant can affect the roles of the parent or carer.

Answer 21

Special needs can relate to people with an illness, disability or allergies and to gifted children. For example, a chronically ill child may not be able to have their parents meet their specific need for health because this could only occur in a hospital setting. A dependant with special needs may require more physical and emotional support in everyday activities.

Question 22

Name and describe the acronym for the personal influences of parents and carers.

Answer 22

COMPRESS
C - Culture: Cultural influences could mean satisfying the child’s physical needs by providing cultural dress and foods or celebrating certain events. Culture may impact on parenting style, choices in child care/elder care arrangements and gender roles.

O - Own upbringing: The way in which people are raised will undoubtedly influence the way they parent. If a person is positive about family life and shared family experiences, they are likely to try to repeat the experience for their children.

M - Multiple commitments: Carrying out multiple roles can have benefits. For instance, the parent who plays in a sports team may have more energy and be more refreshed after some time out from the demands of the parenting role. It can also cause conflict; for example, when a working parent needs to stay at home to look after a sick child.

P - Previous experience: Parenting or caring may be modified because of evolving practices or experiences of being a parent or carer. For example, after caring for a parent with dementia, a person may be calmer and more aware when caring for another person with that problem.

R - Religion: Religion may influence a parents choice of their child’seducational institution, social activities etc. Carers need to respect the religion and values of their dependents. This includes being observant of their faith and not compromising their way of life.

E - Education: A parent or carer’s level of knowledge and education may influence the way their role is carried out. An educated parent or carer is more likely to be aware of the support services available and have the confidence to use them.

S - Socioeconomic status: Affluent parents who are indulgent with gifts, toys and exotic holidays may not necessarily have a close relationship with their children. Some parents with high incomes are forced to spend long hours at work and this compromises their involvement in family life. This

S - Special needs: The parenting or caring role may be enhanced due to the close bond that develops when carers and their dependants spend quality time together, the relationship may at times be made more difficult because of the special needs required.

Question 23

Name and describe the acronym for the social influences of parents and carers.

Answer 23

MCG
M - Media stereotypes: Individuals are exposed to behaviours and opinions that are expressed in the media. For example, some Australian TV dramas still depict mothers and fathers in traditional roles.

C - Community attitudes: Community attitudes reflect the prevailing norms of people within a certain area. Families who are unaware or choose not to conform may face opposition and questioning by others. An example can be seen in parents who decide to homeschool their children.

G - Gender expectations: A child’s concept of being ‘female’ or ‘male ‘ develops from observing and modelling their parents’ behaviour. A child who sees both parents share household tasks equally is more likely to expect this behaviour.

Question 24

Name and describe the acronym for the styles of parenting or carering.

Answer 24

PAND
P - Permissive/indulgent: The permissive/indulgent style of parenting is characterised by excessive leniency.

A - Authoritarian: The authoritarian style characterises a demanding and inflexible parent or carer who usually has a
preconceived goal to achieve and often expects strict obedience.

N - Negligent: The negligent style occurs when the physical, psychological and emotional needs of the dependent are not met.

D - Democratic: The democratic parenting or caring style invites all members to have a say in decisions. In this way, dependants feel appreciated, especially when their ideas form part of the total solution.

Question 25

What are the legal rights of parents?

Answer 25

The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) states that parents and legal guardians have the right to:
- discipline the child through reasonable means

• ensure access to education
• consent to the child’s adoption
• attend to the child’s medical treatment (up to the age of 14)
• determine a child’s upbringing regarding daily care and control.

Question 26

What are the legal rights of carers?

Answer 26

Carers have the right to:
- be recognised and acknowledged in their role. covered by the Carer Recognition Act 2010 (Cth), which defines a carer and acknowledges their immense contribution Dependents.

• receive financial assistance, as many of them are unable to work. Through Centrelink, Family and Community Services, etc.

Question 27

What are the legal rights of dependents?

Answer 27

• The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) sets out legal rights that all children should have within a society.
• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Australia ratified in
  2008, also protects the rights of persons with disabilities.
• The Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth) protects individuals across Australia from discrimination on the
  basis of age.

Question 28

Name and describe acronym for the responsibilities of parents and carers and outline how they each facilitate positive relationships.

Answer 28

DDS
D - Duty of care: This legal term means that society deems that parents and carers are the individuals who must meet the needs of their dependants. It facilitates positive relationships as the dependent feels a sense of safety and security, encouraging good communication.

D - Discipline: parents and carers should establish clear rules and practise discipline that is understood by their dependants. It is through families that children acquire healthy (or unhealthy) concepts of appropriate behaviour.

S - Setting limits: It is every dependant’s right to have firm guidelines and limits. Setting limits shows the dependent what is expected of them and that their parents/carers have their best interest in mind for the wellbeing of the dependent.

Question 29

What type of support do relatives, friends and neighbours provide?

Answer 29

Informal support

Question 30

What type of support do government agencies and community organisations provide?

Answer 30

Formal support

Question 31

How do relatives help parents and carers prepare for their role, fulfil their responsibilities and maintain their wellbeing.

Answer 31

Prepare for their role:
- Relatives who have had their own children can provide advice on how to prepare for a baby based on their experiences with children in their family.

Fulfil their responsibilities:
- Relatives, particularly parents or grandparents of the new parent, can assist providing duty of care by acting as a respite to ensure the parent gets adequate rest time now and then.

Maintain their own wellbeing:
- Relatives acting as a respite to allow for rest also maintain the new parent’s physical wellbeing.

Question 32

How do friends help parents and carers prepare for their role, fulfil their responsibilities and maintain their wellbeing.

Answer 32

Prepare for their role:
- Friends can provide hand-me-downs to use in modifying the environment such as cribs, baby gates, baby locks, etc.

Fulfil their responsibilities:
- Friends can help by babysitting while parents go out and attend to necessary things such as groceries without the hassle of a small child.

Maintain their own wellbeing:
- Friends can drive them to the doctor’s to ensure their physical wellbeing as they may feel too ill to drive or can babysit while the parent attends their appointment.

Question 33

How do neighbours help parents and carers prepare for their role, fulfil their responsibilities and maintain their wellbeing.

Answer 33

Prepare for their role:
- Neighbours can look after new carer’s own children or pets in order to allow for possible long shifts in which their children/pets will be left alone and need someone to watch them.

Fulfil their responsibilities:
- Neighbours can keep an eye on children who wander outside and ensure they stay within their limits.

Maintain their own wellbeing:
- Neighbours can assist in a carer’s physical wellbeing by perhaps picking up some bread or milk from the shops when they go so that the carer can spend a little time just relaxing.

Question 34

How do government agencies help parents and carers prepare for their role, fulfil their responsibilities and maintain their wellbeing.

Answer 34

Prepare for their role:

• Centrelink can provide information and payments for parental leave
• Centrelink can provide information and payments for carers allowance

Fulfil their responsibilities:

• Paid Parental leave fulfils the financial responsibilities of the family whilst the parent is on leave.
• The Family and Community Services can assist carers in accessing resources or information about where they may need to go for treatment or care.

Maintain their own wellbeing:

• Parents on parental leave can focus solely on nurturing their child, knowing they are on leave from their job = increases emotional wellbeing.
• The financial assistance available to carers = increased financial wellbeing.

Question 35

How do community organisations help parents and carers prepare for their role, fulfil their responsibilities and maintain their wellbeing.

Answer 35

Prepare for their role:
- Mothers groups organised by the community for pregnant woman to share their experiences and feel more grounded in the sense they aren’t the only one in their circumstance

Fulfil their responsibilities:
- It is within a parent’s duty of care to ensure children receive education and social interaction, both of which can be provided by playgroups or day care centres

Maintain their own wellbeing:
- Mothers groups improve emotional wellbeing

Question 36

Name and describe the acronym for the types of services provided through formal support.

Answer 36

CHEFCR
C - Counselling
H - Healthcare
E - Education
F - Financial support
C - Childcare
R - Respite care

Question 37

Assess the impact accessing healthcare services can have on the wellbeing of young carers, aged carers, first time parents and working parents.

Answer 37

Young carers - Can access counselling services to improve their mental health, especially if the job they are undertaking is very demanding of them.

Aged carers - Can access healthcare services to gain medical assistance from medical professions for possible back issues from lifting dependents or performing other physical tasks in which they may have strained or pulled muscles.

First-time parents - May access therapy services if they are feeling stressed with their role as first-time parents.

Working parents - Working parents can access medical support from 24hour surgeries for on going issues (e.g neck problems from sitting at a desk for long hours).

Question 38

Assess the impact accessing education services can have on the wellbeing of young carers, aged carers, first time parents and working parents.

Answer 38

Young carers - Can attend University training and degrees to become a qualified carer to care for different types of dependents.

Aged carers - May be trained through TAFE on how to care for the elderly as they have differing needs that require specialised knowledge to satisfy.

First-time parents - Educated on safety issues, nutrition and behavioural areas.

Working parents - Educated on how to maintain positive relationships with their children, whilst working, possibly through mothers groups (if the child is young).

Question 39

Assess the impact accessing financial support services can have on the wellbeing of young carers, aged carers, first time parents and working parents.

Answer 39

Young carers - Eligible for The Young CarerBursary Program which supports them financially as a carer and allows them to further/continue with their education.

Aged carers - Eligible for Carer’s Allowance, which the government provides to support carers financially.

First-time parents - First time parents are eligible for the Family Tax Benefit or the Newborn Supplement (depending on the age of the child)

Working parents - Can access the childcare subsidy so they may work and have security in knowing their child is cared for at a childcare centre.

Question 40

Assess the impact accessing childcare services can have on the wellbeing of young carers, aged carers, first time parents and working parents.

Answer 40

Young carers - Young carers with children may access childcare services so that they may be able to care for their dependent while their child is being cared for by another formal network.

Aged carers - In caring for dependents with children, they may be placed in childcare to lessen the stress of the dependent and carer.

First-time parents - Accessing childcare can allow the first time parents to be able to return to work with peace of mind knowing the child is cared for by a qualified carer.

Working parents - Childcare provides certified and safe child care for parents who are already working.

Question 41

Assess the impact accessing respite care services can have on the wellbeing of young carers, aged carers, first time parents and working parents.

Answer 41

Young carers - Respite care may temporarily care for an ill dependent, giving their carer a break from the demands of their daily routine.

Aged carers - Respite care may temporarily care for an aged person, giving their carer a break from the demands of their daily routine.

First-time parents - First time parents with ill, aged parents may leave them in respite till they recover. This enables them to continue their focus on their child/children whilst ensuring their parents are cared for by doctors or nurses.

Working parents - Working parents with ill, aged parents may leave them in respite till they recover. This enables them to continue work whilst ensuring their parents are cared for by doctors or nurses.

Question 42

Assess the impact accessing counselling services can have on the wellbeing of young carers, aged carers, first time parents and working parents.

Answer 42

Young carers - Young carers may receive counselling on the stresses associated with the demands of their job, especially if they are not used to dealing with this due to a lack of experience.

Aged carers - Aged carers may receive counselling on dealing with the stresses associated with their line of work.

First-time parents - First time mothers may receive counselling to help them overcome Post Nadal depression.

Working parents - May receive counselling on how to cope with the stresses of multiple commitments to do with work and children.