3. Parenting And Caring Flashcards
What is a biological parent?
A biological parent is one that has provided the genetic material to create a foetus through a natural conception.
Name a describe the acronym for social parents.
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.
Explore the impact of legal, social and technological change on adoption.
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.
Explore the impact of legal, social and technological change on fostering.
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.
Explore the impact of legal, social and technological change on step parenting.
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.
Explore the impact of legal, social and technological change on surrogacy.
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.
Name and describe the types of carers.
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.
Provide data on carers.
- 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).
Recall data on the reasons for carers taking on the
role.
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.
Describe the role of parents and carers in satisfying the specific needs of the dependent and its significance.
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.
Describe the role of parents and carers in building a positive relationship with the dependant and its significance.
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.
Describe the role of parents and carers in promoting the wellbeing of the dependant
and its significance.
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.
What is the acronym describing the preparations for becoming a parent.
COME
C - Changing health behaviours
O - Organising finances
M - Modifying the physical environment
E - Enhancing knowledge and skills
What are the preparations for becoming a parent or carer in changing health behaviours.
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.
What are the preparations for becoming a parent or carer in enhancing knowledge and skills.
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
What are the preparations for becoming a parent or carer in modifying the physical environment.
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.
What are the preparations for becoming a parent or carer in organising finances.
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).
What are the characteristics of dependents?
- Age
- Skills/capabilities
- Special needs
Describe how the age of the dependant can affect the roles of the parent or carer.
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.
Describe how the skills/capabilities of the dependant can affect the roles of the parent or carer.
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.
Describe how the special needs of the dependant can affect the roles of the parent or carer.
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.
Name and describe the acronym for the personal influences of parents and carers.
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.
Name and describe the acronym for the social influences of parents and carers.
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.
Name and describe the acronym for the styles of parenting or carering.
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.
