Parenting and Caring Flashcards
Parent definition
Has responsibility of raising and nurturing a child, promotes their development within the family
Biological parents; Contribute genetic material (sexual intercourse or Assisted Reproductive Technologies)
Carer defintiion
Looks after the needs and wellbeing of a dependent;provides services they may not be able to do themselves
Social parents; Parental responsibility for child they don’t share a genetic relationship with.
Types of parents and carers
Adoptive (social)
All legal rights/responsibilities transferred from birth parents to adoptive parents
Permanent care for children unable to live with birth families
Types of parents and carers
Foster (social)
Alternative living arrangements for those with parents temporarily unable to care for them
Caregivers paid fortnightly allowance to meet needs of child
Children placed in care if at risk from domestic violence, physical or emotional needs not being met
Types of parents and carers
Step-parenting (social)
Man/Woman marries or forms de-facto relationship with partner who has child
Not biological parent; but treats child as a member of the family
Types of parents and carers
Surrogacy (social)
Arrangement between couple who can’t have baby and woman who becomes pregnant on their behalf
Surrogate can’t be paid, but adoptive parents generally cover all medical expenses
Adoptive parents must apply to adopt to be listed on birth certificate; then have same legal rights as biological parent
Explore the impact of legal social and technological change on social parents by considering changes in:
Legislation,
Community beliefs and attitudes,
Reproductive technologies
ADOPTION
Legislation
All legal rights/responsibilities transferred to adoptive parents; child receives amended birth certificate
If child is over 12→ must consent to adoption
Child name changes
Requires consent of both biological parents
Community beliefs and attitudes
More socially acceptable thanks to celebrities (E.g hugh Jackman, Angelina Jolie)
Social acceptance of gay/lesbians→ more adoptions
More older parents having children→ less adoptions
Aboriginal children not usually adopted into non-indigenous families; placed in kinship groups
Reproductive Technologies
Those undertaking fertility treatments; not eligible to adopt
Improvements in contraception; Less children to adopt
Health conditions of birth parents made available→ health conditions can be researched
Explore the impact of legal social and technological change on social parents by considering changes in:
Legislation,
Community beliefs and attitudes,
Reproductive technologies
FOSTER
Legislation
Carer allowances
Minimum standards for accreditation
Cannot make medical decisions or undertake legal proceedings on behalf of child
Must consult with Family and Community services about schooling, faith practices
Community beliefs and attitudes
More socially accepted;families feel like giving back to the community
Misconception that people foster for the money
Issues may arise with contact of child’s birth parents; clashes
Reproductive Technologies
Advancements in reproductive tech; Decrease in number of children put up or adoption→ decrease in children placed with foster families
Explore the impact of legal social and technological change on social parents by considering changes in:
Legislation,
Community beliefs and attitudes,
Reproductive technologies
STEP PARENT
Legislation
No legal responsibility
Medical authorities may consult stepparent if neither biological parent is available
Childs name may be changed to step-parents; if approval from non-custodial parent
Community beliefs and attitudes
Common; Increased divorce/remarriage rates
Conflict if traditions clash; especially older children
Rules set by stepparent may cause stress or tension
Community perception; Intact original nuclear family is superior to any blended family
Reproductive Technology
Issues may arise for remarried couples trying to conceive a child; may need to turn to tech (especially older couples)
Explore the impact of legal social and technological change on social parents by considering changes in:
Legislation,
Community beliefs and attitudes,
Reproductive technologies
SURROGATE
Legislation
Commercial surrogacy illegal→ Jail time, High fines
WA and SA→ same sex or single people banned from surrogacy
Community beliefs and attitudes
Rights of each party aren’t clear; specific criteria needs to be established based on honour agreement (not legally binding)
Controversial→ many religions still against any form of intervention
Reproductive Technology
Some choose to freeze eggs in hope they will find suitable partner; if natural contraception not achieved; frozen eggs used instead
Carers: PRIMARY
ABS; Provides informal assistance to a person with one or more disability or is aged over 60+
Carers: INFORMAL
Any person who gives regular ongoing assistance to another without payment
E.g. Grandparent who picks child up from school and looks after her until her parents come from work
Young carers; Young people who care and support family members with long term physical illness
Carers: FORMAL
Trained professionals; provide care through formal agencies paid for by receiver.
E.g. Nurse, Aged-care worker, High school teacher
Examine current research data on primary carers to determine the:
Significance of age and gender
Women make up 70% of primary carers of people with a disability (ABS). Traditionally over-represented in caring, nurturing and caring role
Gap between male and female income→ If a choice between who stays in the workforce; more likely to be higher income earner
36-64 age group continues to provide most primary care for individuals across Australia→ due to Australia’s ageing pop and number of grandparent carers
Youth carers may be able to have more energy/ time than older people who balance work and caring
Reasons for carers taking on the role. E.g. Emotional obligation, alternative care too costly
Most common reason; sense of family responsibility (63%)
Felt they could provide better care than anyone else (50%) and the feeling emotional obligation to take on the role (41%)
Most likely that no other friends or family able to take on the caring role
Annual value of informal care is 1.32 billion hours per year→ If paid care that would equal $40 billion dollars→ alternative care is very expensive
Roles of Parents and Carers
SATISFYING SPECIFIC NEEDS
Adequate standard of living
Provide children with food, clothing, shelter
Nutritious food, appropriate to development stage and energy output of child
Regularly laundered clothing and safe housing
Safety and security
Shelter, show child understanding, love and support
Consistency and routines; assist child to develop security
Health
Food, clothing, hygiene practices
Administer basic first aid and engage services of medical personnel
Education
Encouraging play, language and literature acquisition
Sense of Identity
Consistent love, support given→ strong sense of belonging, self-esteem
Roles of Parents and Carers
BUILDING A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DEPENDENT
Occur from birth through love, bonding, affection, understanding and patience
Parents should prioritise time with their child and showing genuine interest in their activities
Children of any age need to feel valued and affirmed
Children should develop self-discipline and maturity through taking on age- appropriate responsibilities→ parents need to model appropriate behaviour (skills are ‘caught not taught’)
Carers best help by providing assistance when needed but still allows opportunities for independence
Person being cared for should be treated with care and respect (E.g. speaking to dependent at eye level and using appropriate care)
May be difficult if carer cares for spouse or partner; roles change and so do responsibilities and relationship
Roles of Parents and Carers
PROMOTING THE WELLBEING OF THE DEPENDENT
Meeting the specific needs of the dependent or child will enhance overall wellbeing.
Ensuring that the dependent is treated with care and respect will positively influence emotional wellbeing and increase self esteem.
Appropriately caring for the dependent ensures that physical wellbeing is enhanced and maintaining a positive relationship with the dependent or child increases social and emotional wellbeing.
In meeting the specific needs and ensuring the individuals is well cared for, wellbeing will be positively increased.
E.g, a carer may positively promote the social wellbeing of an aged relative by taking them to the theatre or the park, which allows them to interact with others.
Preparations for becoming a parent or carer
CHANGING HEALTH BEHAVIOURS
Parents
Maintain healthy balanced diet, drink plenty of water
When pregnant; Increase folic acid intake, don’t drink alcohol, coffee or smoke
Regular exercise and 7-8 hours of sleep
Regular GP appointments
Attending prenatal classes; meet with others in same situation
Carers
Eat variety of fresh, nutritious foods→ make them available to dependent when appropriate
Engaging in variety of physical activities to assist in maintaining healthy lifestyle and carrying out activities such as playing, lifting, showering and bathing
Investigating local support groups, in order to interact with other carers in similar situation
Meeting with other carers to gain more exposure to the role
Preparations for becoming a parent or carer
ORGANISING FINANCES
Includes budgeting, saving and setting up support payments
Parents need to be prepared for potential costs of hospitals, obstetricians, medical expenses, clothing nappies and equipment
Carers may need to put aside money for modifying the home, education and training or specialized equipment
Parents and carers may need to save up to help them when they are off work caring for the dependent→ may be used for mortgage, bills or buying food
High costs of caring mean that some support payments may be provided by the government, including parental leave pay, carer allowance, carer payment and family tax benefit.
Preparations for becoming a parent or carer
MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Assessment of current housing may need to occur to determine suitability for future dependents
E.g. A childless couple who live in a one bedroom flat and who are planning to adopt a child, may need to move to a house with two bedrooms.
Carers may need to consider the living arrangements of the family to care for the dependent.
E.g A family who are going to take care of their grandfather who uses a wheelchair, may need to ensure that hallways and paths are clutter free and items on the floor may need to be moved.
Play areas may be installed for babies and non slip mats, handrails and ramps installed for older dependents.
Preparations for becoming a parent or carer
ENHANCING KNOWLEDGE OR SKILLS
Parents
Prenatal/postnatal classes, online courses, midwives
Info from reliable parenting books, magazines, websites
Aware of social media→ often provide inaccurate, unprofessional parenting advice
Carers
Informal carers may take part in online courses or workshops to help with caring for their dependent
Many carer support services have online or face to face workshops on variety of topics and issues
Universities have degrees in nursing, early childhood, education, medicine, and TAFE has courses in children’s services, enrolled nursing and aged care.
Govt organisations (E.g. Family and Community Services) offer education and training
Characteristics of the dependent
ASS
Age
Age of dependent; will determine specific needs
No matter age; positive relationship should be worked towards
Promoting wellbeing through meeting needs; needs change through lifespan
Skills/capabilities
Skills/capabilities will influence parent/carer roles
Some cases; person with disability may need assistance with bathing, feeding → may never be independent
Special Needs
Dependents may require more physical and emotional support in everyday activities
Difficulties in communication may impact on ability to build positive relationships
Influences on parents and carers
Personal
Culture, customs and tradition
Sharing cultural beliefs and customs can promote bonding (families celebrate rituals and participate in festivals together)
In multicultural society, conflict may occur in relationships when the cultural norms of the parents are different from those of the society in which they live
The culture, customs and traditions of both the carer and dependent need to be respected and valued
Influences on parents and carers
Personal
Religion/spirituality
Generally parents try to pass on their faith practices or delegate this to a school with a religious ethos; if young person chooses to follow an alternative path to the one modelled by his/her parents→ may be difficult for both
Carers need to respect the religion and values of their dependents→ includes being observant of their faith and not compromising their way of life
Spiritual practices taken on by the parent, carer and/or dependent may or may not be shared→ essential that all parties respect, and are open about, the practices that are expressed
Influences on parents and carers
Personal
Own upbringing
The way in which people are raised will undoubtedly influence the way they parent
If a person is positive about family life/shared family experiences→ likely to try and repeat experience for own children
Negative experiences in family life may lead parent to adopt other goals/values to create a different experience→ so child can have better opportunity than parents did
Influences on parents and carers
Personal
Previous experiences
Parenting/caring may be modified→ evolving practices or experiences
E.g after first child is raised, parents will have had learning experiences that impact on the parenting of future children
E.g. After caring for a parent with dementia, a person may be calmer and more aware in caring for another person with that problem
Influences on parents and carers
Personal
Multiple commitments
Many roles that have different obligations and responsibilities→ amount of energy and time these pursuits take can affect the quality of relationships with dependents
Parents and carers need to develop management skills so that they can meet the responsibilities expectations of multiple roles (E.g. Setting and prioritising goals, establishing routines, seeking support)
A carer with multiple roles may engage more formal support for the dependents(e.g. community transport, home care etc)
Influences on parents and carers
Personal
Education
Education enhances skills/knowledge of parents and carers to they understand or be better able to deal with daily interactions that are part of parenting and caring relationships→ educated parent/carer more likely to be aware of support services available and use them
Parents are children’s first teachers and early learning taking place in child’s first years can make a difference in development of literacy and numeracy skills
If a carer is formally qualified or has had experience in care→ dependent usually receives higher quality of care than if no experience or education
Influences on parents and carers
Personal
Socioeconomic status
50% of primary carers are low income→ may find it hard to cover living expenses, save money or build up superannuation→ reduces capacity to access private nurses
Person from high income family may put their dependent in a nursing home→ may lead to resentment form dependent as there is less involvement by family members in their care
High Income families may send their child to boarding
school which weakens the quality of the relationship or uses nannies to look after the children.
Activities that improve communication may be low cost such as bushwalking, bowling etc and may be more effective in building bond than lavishing children with gifts
Influences on parents and carers
Personal
Special needs
Parenting or caring role may be enhanced due to close bond that develops when carers and their dependents spend quality time together
Relationship between parent/carer and dependent may be more difficult at times due to ineffective communication, demands on time due to frequent medical attention. Stress in the relationship can also occur due to the need for dependency
Often support networks supplement role of parents and carers so that optimum relationships are maintained (E.g. Provision of special schools, community support-home care)
Influences on parents and carers
Social
Community Attitudes
Reflect prevailing norms of people within certain areas→ may include prescribed behaviours, dress standards, education methods, acceptable activities
Families who don’t conform or who are unaware may face opposition and questioning by others.
E.g. Vaccination→ hostility between parents who hold different opinions. Or when appropriate to cease breastfeeding
Influences on parents and carers
Social
Gender expectations
Socialisation→ people of different genders behave distinctively and reflected in ways parent and carer’s role carried out.
Child’s concept of being male or female develops from observing and modelling parents behaviour
Expectations parents have of their children will influence interaction with them. Traditionally males are breadwinners and women are nurturing, caring, household
Today parents generally share roles and more flexibility for working mothers and “house husbands”
Influences on parents and carers
Social
Media stereotypes
Individuals exposed to behaviours and opinions expressed on tv, radio, Internet, magazines, advertisement images. E.g. Tv still portrays women in roles of housewife and males as breadwinners
Often messages are subtle. Sometimes messages challenge acceptable individual values and may have negative impact. Sometimes have positive impact if compatible with individual values
Media enabled carers and dependent to find out more about financial support, advocacy, respite→ leads to carers performing roles more effectively and enhances relationship with dependants.
Styles of Parenting or Caring
AUTHORITARIAN
Demanding, inflexible parent or carer who usually has preconceived goals to achieve
Expects obedience, dependents have little input into decisions that may affect them
Can result in dependent becoming resentful and distant.
May not promote wellbeing of depend as dependent unable to become independent
E.g. Positive in some situations, for example if house is on fire
Styles of Parenting or Caring
DEMOCRATIC
Invites all members to have a say in decisions
Dependents feel appreciated, more likely to build respectful, positive relationship (time spent together is valued
Wellbeing of both parent/carer and dependent is enhanced when there is effective communication
Styles of Parenting or Caring
PERMISSIVE/ INDULGENT
Excessive leniency→ dependent ask permission to be involved in an activity and parent/carer likely to agree
Dependent may get their way and lack respect for parent/carer due to opposition to setting rules
With few limits set, may feel parents don’t care about them (may engage in high risk behaviour)
Styles of Parenting or Caring
NEGLIGENT
Physical; insufficient food available, no hygiene or suitable clothing, (gambling, substance issues)
Emotional: Lack of warmth, affirmation, physical affection
Negligence in supervision; resulted in tragedies from not keeping watchful eye
Poor quality relationship; dependent not loved or protected
Legal rights of Parents
Family Law Act (1975) → parents have right to discipline child
Ensure access to education
Legal proceedings on child’s behalf
Legal rights of Carers
Have right to be recognised and acknowledged in their role and receive financial assistance
Be covered under the Anti-Discrimination A
Legal rights of Dependents
Child has the right to make their own decisions and over the age of 14 can made their own legal decisions
Dependents have the right to participate in decisions affecting their life, be protected from neglect and abuse, adequate care, compassion and understanding
Responsibilities of parents and carers
A responsibility is a duty or obligation
Parents and carers; responsibility to develop skills, secure a safe environment.
Listen to and value the dependents contributions.
Ensure medicine administered
Responsibilities of parents and carers
DUTY OF CARE
Parents and carers must meet needs of the dependent
Parents of compulsory school-aged children have duty to cause the child to be enrolled at school, or be registered for home schooling
Duty of care can be transferred (parent placing child in childcare centre, or child going to school
Responsibilities of parents and carers
SETTING LIMITS
Dependents have right to firm guidelines and limits, allows them to
Know what is right and expected of them, Know how far they can go, Learn about fairness, Respect others,
Foster their self esteem
Limits set by parents may conflict with opinions/views of dependent
Responsibilities of parents and carers
DISCIPLINE
Important rules should be established and reasons for should be discussed with the dependent
Dependent should be aware of fair and reasonable consequences for breaking rules
Praised when rules are followed
Consistently, assertively and calmly follow through with consequences when rules are broken
Change rules and expectations as dependent grows older
Informal Types of Support
RELATIVES
FRIENDS
NEIGHBOURS
RELATIVES
Role shared between partners (extensive changes in society; growth of female workplace )
Fathers spend more time with kids; family members fulfil roles
Grandparents pass on cultures, provide care
Adolescents→ babysit, cook etc→ parents more time to manage roles
FRIENDS
Spending time with friends; respite for a parent or carer, (improves wellbeing)
May look after a dependent child if the parent needs to go to a doctor’s appointment.
NEIGHBOURS
May provide informal support; pick up dependent child of neighbour, if parent is running late from work.
Formal Support
Govt agencies
Community orgs
Government agencies
Govt funded and administered groups
E.g. Centrelink→ Financial support→ govt payments to help support dependents needs
Community Organisations
Welfare or charity groups (may be funded by govt but not considered govt agencies.
E.g. St Vincent de Paul→ Help disadvantaged families; financial support or counselling
Explain how different types of support can assist parents and carers to:
Prepare for their roles, Fulfil their responsibilities, Maintain their own wellbeing
PREPARE FOR THEIR ROLES
May be difficult to satisfy all needs; E.g. parent may not know how to satisfy physical wellbeing if has physical disability→ parentline may have tips to how to better satisfy (e.g. sport academy)
Children age and relationship with parents change; hard to maintain positive relationship→ talk to counsellors work out how to maintain despite change
May be difficult to satisfy needs all times; may talk to parentline to gain info or advice
Explain how different types of support can assist parents and carers to:
Prepare for their roles, Fulfill their responsibilities, Maintain their own wellbeing
FULFILL THEIR RESPONSIBLITIES
May be difficult to set limits; may question if too lenient or too unreasonable
Parentline; Confirm if practices in place are effective or if need to be changed
May call to question disciplinary measures if repeatedly broken
Duty of care for education; talk to counsellors for advice on if should be homeschooled or wh
Explain how different types of support can assist parents and carers to:
Prepare for their roles, Fulfil their responsibilities, Maintain their own wellbeing
MAINTAIN THEIR OWN WELLBEING
Sometimes overwhelmed in roles as parent (may neglect own wellbeing)
Parentline; talk about worries/concerns, receive info about challenging situations
If parents stressed; emotional well being negatively impacted, even physical ill being
Types of support provided through formal support
HEALTHCARE
PARENTS
Child and Family Health Nursing Service.
Government agency
Clinic appointments or home visiting of children aged 0-5; monitor physical development and health.
CARERS
KinCare Nursing Care.
Community organisation
Dependent’s health needs are met in their home.
Provides, medicine administration, monitoring, injections, assessment and disease management
Types of support provided through formal support
EDUCATION
PARENTS
Tresillian.
Community organisation
Centre based support services assisting parents with skills and knowledge in the child’s early years.
CARERS
Carers NSW Education Program.
Community organisation
Information, knowledge and skills to help carers in their role
Types of support provided through formal support
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
PARENTS
Parenting Payment.
Government agency
Income support to assist with costs of raising children
CARERS
Carer Allowance.
Government agency
Income supplements for carers of people with a disability, are aged or have a medical condition
Types of support provided through formal support
CHILDCARE
PARENTS
Scribbles and Giggles Childcare Centre.
Community organisation
24 hour childcare services for babies to
CARERS
SDN Children’s Services.
Community organisation.
Preschool and long day care for children with special needs, disabilities
Types of support provided through formal support
RESPITE CARE
PARENTS
Flexible Respite for Children Service.
Community organisation
Respite for parents with children that have a disability. Children attend camps or are taken out to recreational activities
CARERS
Commonwealth Home and Community Care Program.
Government agency
Respite services for carers of aged individuals are offered
Types of support provided through formal support
COUNSELLING
PARENTS
Parent Line NSW.
Community organisation
Telephone counselling and support service for parents of children aged 0-18
CARERS
National Carer Counselling Program.
Community Organisation
Online, telephone or group counselling sessions for carers to assist with coping skills and improving wellbeing
Assess the impact assessing formal support services can have in the wellbeing of:
YOUNG CARERS
(Respite care and Financial Support)
Respite Care
Temporary care for dependent; carer can have time to themselves
Young; balancing work and caring; no time for social life→ allows to meet up with friends
May not always be available and may be expensive
Financial Support
Young who look after family; typically no income and only work limited hours
Income for carers; allows young people to meet own needs
E.g. Person caring for mother, unable to work can access income→ contribute to adequate standard o
Assess the impact assessing formal support services can have in the wellbeing of:
AGED CARERS
(Respite care and Financial Support)
Respite Care
May allow them to meet their multiple commitments, or allow them to rest and recuperate
If carers don’t take time for themselves, may grow to resent the dependent,(their own wants/needs not satisfied.
E.g. Elderly woman caring for dementia husband; neglecting social activities→ able to rest, visit bridge club
Financial Support
Many are no longer working, only gaining a small income from superannuation; t may not be enough to satisfy the needs of the dependent or themselves.
For example, an aged man who wishes to make modifications to his home for his disabled wife may need financial assistance in order to purchase additional equipment or materials, (handrail in the shower).
Assess the impact assessing formal support services can have in the wellbeing of:
FIRST TIME PARENTS
(Education and Childcare)
Education
Accessing info to gain knowledge on how to best raise their dependent→ positive emotional wellbeing.
Education to gain knowledge or skills in rearing a child; make the parent feel more involved and successful
Childcare
Use the time without the dependent to meet other commitments.
E.g. mother who had not seen her friends since giving birth, may access childcare to catch up with friends
May experience negative social wellbeing, if friends express conflicting views on which service to use
Childcare is also an expensive service→ economic illbeing
Assess the impact assessing formal support services can have in the wellbeing of:
WORKING PARENTS
(Education and Childcare)
Education
Provide them with opportunities to learn how to best connect with their children and maintain a positive relationship whilst they are in childcare.
Education services provide support on how to manage multiple commitments of work and caring for the child
Childcare
Transfer the duty of care of their dependent, to other trained professionals.
Allows parents to return to work, study or gain respite during the hours the dependent is away from them.
Allows the dependent to be cared for whilst the parent is away.
Working parents may feel guilt for leaving their child to be brought up by another.
