HSC COMMUNITY AND FAMILY STUDIES

Parenting and Caring

Over 2.3 million Australians are providing care for family members who are frail or
aged or friends with a disability, illness or chronic condition. This represents one in
every 5 households. Of these, nearly 20 are primary care!givers supplying unpaid
informal support.
What does it mean to be a bioogi!a "arent#
"hysically! both parents physically produce the child
#motionally! strong bonds formed between parent and child
$piritually! the e%perience is very fulfilling for both parents
&egally! responsibility to nurture and support an individual's for many years
What does it mean to be a so!ia "arent#
&egally! raise the child through the processes of adopting, fostering, step!
parenting and surrogacy
"hysically! parents responsible for total well!being of child (food, clothing,
shelter)
#motionally! bonding occurs overtime but can be *ust as strong as from biological
parents
$piritual'$ocial! the desire to become parents does not wa+en *ust because people
cannot produce children biologically
What are the di$$eren!es bet%een maes and $emaes %hen it !omes to "arenting#
(Are there differences between social and biological male parents?)
,ulturally, women are the nurturer-s in our society. They are primary caregivers
because they physically carry the baby or are perceived to be the ones who bond
more closely with children.
.ales! often have trouble ad*usting to parenting because they do not ta+e an
active enough part in everyday care and nurture
$ome still believe that it is /women-s wor+- (culturally this may be
strictly adhered to ie. .uslim families)
males (social parenting)
depends on the age of the child
generally spea+ing, gender is not'should not be an issue
sometimes males need time to establish relationships'bonding with a child
,ommunication is essential to build relationships, form bonds etc.
Lega&So!ia Im"i!ations o$ 'irth Te!hnoogies
What are birth technologies?
0.1.2! 0s where the woman-s ovum is fertilised outside her body (test tube baby)
- 3eveloped in the 40-s (0n!1itro 2ertilisation)
5.0.2.T! 5amete 0ntra!2allopian Transfer
6.0.2.T ! 6ygote 0ntro!2allopian Transfer
- similar to 5.0.2.T
- however, the ovum is fertilised in the lab, instead of the fallopian tube
- the fertilised egg (7ygote) is then placed in the fallopian tube
A.0.3! Artificial 0nsemination by 3onor
A.0.8! Artificial 0nsemination by 8usband
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Lega So!ia
.ust be a suitable candidate eg.
$tatus (criminal), health, financial
status
.ust follow legal guidelines
,hec+ your legal rights and
responsibilities concerning the
process
:now your legal responsibilities
concerning the process
8ave legal representation
:now laws
Negatives-
.ust loo+ after yourself
.ay have to /prove- yourself to your
friends ; peer group
.ay have family opposition
$tress eg. 2inancial situation,
emotional process
Positives-
"eople who elect these technologies
are motivated to ma+e it wor+
,ontributing to society by becoming
parents
.ay gain self esteem'confidence
through becoming parents
.ay become better mangers of own
lives
Cir!(mstan!es s(rro(nding the need $or !are#
<ormative ("lanned) <on!normative (unplanned)
"regnancy
Ageing
3egenerative 3isease
,hildhood illness eg. ,hic+en po%
"regnancy
Accident
3ivorce
3eath
What is the im"a!t o$ normati)e !hange#
=ou have time to plan
>se the management process
.a+e considered decisions
,an evaluate plans
0ndividuals and carers can communicate easily
,onflict can be avoided
?ell!being established
*ender in Carer +eationshi"s
What is the issue?
2emales@ !
Positi)es Negati)es
.ost women are mothers A nurturers
$ome women have more time
(resources)
$ome have patience and caring s+ills
.ay have fle%ible wor+ing hours
.ay find emotional burden very stressful
"hysical demands beyond capability
.ay not be able to deal with /male- issues
eg. Toileting (legal issues)
.ales@ !
Positi)es Negati)es
<ot as emotional
.ost males are fathers (have children
and already care)
"hysical strength
.ay be financially able to manage
<ot as emotional
.ay wor+ full time or have to change
wor+ arrangements to care
.ay not be able to manage female
/issues- eg. 3ressing, Toileting
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care .ay suffer socially
Pre"aring To 'e!ome a Parent&Carer#
How to?
9. Assess needs
2. >se management A "lan (")
! Organise (O)
! 0mplement (0)
! #valuate (#)
3. >se decision ma+ing and communication
B. Ta+e into account@
- resources
- goals (future! short, medium and long term)
- values
- standards
Outcome C well!being ' D>A&0T= O2 &02#
Management Strategies $or Parents&Carers
9. Assess needs A physical
! $ocial
! #motional
! 2inancial etc
2. .a+e decisions regarding resources (human'non!human)
3. 5ive a combination of e%amples
$imple strategies for short term'immediate problems
ie. "ay an ironing person
.ore comple% plans for medium to long!term problems
ie. Eespite care arrangements
B. :eep lines of communication open
5. >se support services eg. 2ormal'informal
Assess the Management Strateg, Pro"osed
Positives and negatives of putting person in respite care or
- getting ironing done etc
Positi)e Negati)e
$ave time (resources)
$tress reduction
.ore organised
.ore time to do other things eg.
&eisure
contributing to well!being
,osting money
.ay not be done the way you li+e
2eel guilty
List e-am"es o$ the t,"e o$ "eo"e %ho are "arents and !arers
5randparents
"arents
$iblings
Teachers
3octors
2riends
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Im"a!t o$ !arers on Indi)id(as
!g "eachers
Positi)e Negati)e
.utually rewarding
Eole models
Teach good habits (management)
$upport (academically, emotionally)
&ac+ of respect
$tudents can lose self!esteem
.ay not learn
.ay learn bad habits
.ay waste time (resources)
E-"e!tations o$ Parents&Carers in O(r Changing So!iet,#
8ealth ,are "hysical ,are
"rotection from danger
#ducation 2eeding
3evelopment of social s+ills
eg. Eelating to people
"reparation to 3evelopment of
be an adult self!esteem
3evelopment of independent living
s+ills
$tability of close Affection and
relationships Trust
3eveloping on identity
$piritual development@ .oral 5uidance!
what to believe in what is right and wrong
2inancial support
$elf control
In$(en!es on Parenting and Caring
Age
,ulture ; Eeligion
#ducation
5ender
"revious #%periences and >pbringing
$ocioeconomic $tatus
.edia
The <ature of Eelationships
Ho% Do These In$(en!es A$$e!t Parenting . Caring +oes#
Age
- A teenage parent is still growing and developing and they have e%perienced
less of life than adults
- They do not have the same +nowledge and s+ills, career or financial security
- On the other hand they may be more energetic and enthusiastic as parents to
begin with
- $ome may care for their siblings, grandparents or parents
- Feing older means they may have a wealth of e%perience
- 8owever it may mean that they are less able to deal with the noise and
energy levels of active babies and toddlers
B
,ulture and Eeligion
- These things influence the belief and behaviour of parents and carers
- The families religion will affect parenting decisions
- ?ill reflect in the way parents bring up their children and carers loo+ after
others
- 3ifferences in e%pectations of a child-s behaviour may cause conflict in a
multicultural societ# (Australia)
- ,onflict may occur within an ethnic family if children are e%pected to follow
a tradition eg. An arranged marriage
- $ender influences parenting as men and women have perceived roles, which
govern their parental responsibilities and the way in which they ma+e
decisions about their child
#ducation
- #ducation begins the day we are born and continues throughout the lifespan
Gbirth death (beginning, e%panding, contracting)H
- Our families are the first people who teach us about life
- The education system that a child e%periences can affect his or her views on
life as well as values and beliefs.
- #ducation is more than *ust traditional sub*ects it is designed to influence the
child-s choices and lifestyle now and in the future
- The value a parent places on education will influence how important a child
perceives an education to be
- ?here and how a parent was educated will affect the parents ability to
networ+ and access resources that may assist in the parenting process
5ender
- Affects how the child will be raised and in particular the relationship he or
she will have with their parents'carers
- 2rom an early age the child becomes aware that there are e%pectations related
to being male (rough ; tough) or female (gentle ; passive)
- As attitudes change, we can recognise that parenting and caring is something
that both males and females can pursue together
"revious #%periences and >pbringing
- >pbringing influences the types of e%periences their parents want their own
children to have
Aspects or e%periences from childhood may include@!
5oals, values, beliefs and standards
8ow discipline is enforced
The ability to form creative solutions to parenting problems A good
management
The parenting styles adopted eg. 0ndulgent, authoritative
The type of relationship that is developed with children
$ocioeconomic $tatus (social and financial status)
- The more money available, the greater the variety of choices the parents have
available to them
- 2amilies who are socioeconomically disadvantaged usually have limited
choices (opportunities and resources)
.edia (not as much effect on carers as parents)
- ,an be a positive or negative influence
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- ,an provide parents and carers with valuable info that can assist them in
understanding and fulfilling their roles
- T1 may do this through documentaries, current affairs programs, /info!
television- and lifestyle programs (cable)
- <ewspapers can provide up to the minute reports eg. #ducational material
- $erial!style programs provide unrealistic and unreliable ideas and
information about'for parents'carers
The <ature of Eelationships
Eelationships within the family between parents and children vary according to a
number of factors@ !
2amily structure A nuclear, blended, step etc
Age of the child A dependent very young childrenI independent
adolescents
Age difference between parent and child A some very young parents wish
to be the child-s friend rather than a disciplinarian
"arenting styling used A authoritative (best style), authoritarian
The opportunity for interacting between parents and children A some
parents may spend long hours away from children, therefore there is little
time for bonding
Understand the Commitment Ne!essar, $or the +oe o$ a Parent or Carer
%t#les of Parenting& -
Authoritarian
3emocratic
"ermissive'0ndulgent
<egligent
Authoritative
Authoritarian
- "arents value obedience
- One or both parents ma+e the day!to!day decisions and everyone else
conforms to their wishes
- 0f the mother controls the family it is said to be matriar!ha, if the father
controls the family it is said to be "atriar!ha
3emocratic
- All family members participate in decision!ma+ing
- ,hildren are e%pected to ta+e responsibility for their own behaviour and are
encouraged to ma+e their own decisions
"ermissive'0ndulgent
- "arents set few limitsI allow the child to ma+e demands and have the demand
responded to
- Earely give instruction and when they do, they are not concerned if they are
not obeyed
- <ot much communication occurs
- Fased on the theory that freedom to choose develops character and
domineering parents produce neurotic children
- ,hildren taught not to value conformity
- Fecause misbehaviour is often ignored, these people have trouble fitting into
society and a structured wor+ environment
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- 0ndulgent parents constantly buy gifts to +eep their child placated
<egligent (non!parent)
$ometimes parents will meet their child-s physical needs but will be over critical of
their every more and so do not meet their emotional need. .ore usually this type of
parent neglects parental responsibility on a regular basis and will not ensure the
child-s safety or food and shelter needs. Often this type of parent is part of a cycle,
that is, their parents and grandparents we also negligent.
Authoritative (best style)
- ,ombines both the accepting and democratic styles of parenting
- $upportive and affectionate, but e%pect mature and responsible behaviour
- "arents e%ercise firm, adaptive control, but children are made aware of the
reasons for parental e%pectations and participate in decision ma+ing
- ,hild learns the values being taught
- Treated as an individual and with respect
- .ost li+ely to foster high self esteem and social responsibility, friendly,
cooperate and able to set and achieve their own goals
'ultiple (ole !)pectations
"arenting represents a constant struggle for the parents to meet their own needs and
those of their children. After the birth of the first child, most parents find they have to
re!prioritise their tas+s to accommodate their new role as a caregiver.
The demands on the individual to wor+ harder and longer hours in order to progress in
the wor+place have ta+en a toll on family life. .any children are placed in care so
that both parents are able to earn a wage (d(a !areer $ami,) to improve their
family-s standard of living. After having a child, many families opt to have the
mother wor+ reduced hrs or not at all to cater for the needs of the children.
"art!time or casual wor+ is popular with mothers who have the opportunity to gain
money and contribute financially to the household as well as improve their self!
esteem.
$port'leisure time is important to individuals to improve their wellbeing and increase
social contacts. 0t is difficult to balance the multiple roles e%pected of parents but it is
important to ma+e time to rela% and participate in something you en*oy. This will
decrease stress levels and improve interaction within the family because there is time
to let off steam without all the other pressing commitments.
+ights . +es"onsibiities in Parenting . Caring
Eights
"arents should be respected and given recognition for their role within the family unit.
They have the right to set limits on behaviour and initiate standards that should be met
within the family.
,arers have similar rights to parents in regards to respect for their authority, providing
it does not directly contravene the e%pectations or wishes of the parents (in the case of
childcare), or the others they care for.
,hildren have the right to be nurtured in a peaceful envo, with love. They should be
protected from the elements and feel physically, emotionally and psychologically safe.
All children have the right to eKuality in education, a name and a nationality. &egal
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rights should be respected and they should have the opportunity to ma+e decisions
about their future.
Eesponsibilities
"arents and carers have a responsibility to the child and those they care for +nown as
duty of care. This means that all the needs of the person being cared for must be met.
0f a child is neglected or abused A physically, psychologically or emotionally A then
duty of care has not been met.
Fecause children are not fully matured and have fewer life e%periences, it is necessary
that parents set limits for their behaviour. Lust as essential is a series of conseKuences
for each inappropriate action that the child elects to follow.
So(r!es o$ Con$i!t bet%een Parents . Chidren/ Carers and Cared For
Con$i!t0 a disagreement or difference in opinion
,onflict can occur when there is a difference in values, attitudes, beliefs and
goals. 0t can occur between parents and children, as well as carers and those they
care for.
Open lines of communication are necessary to minimise conflict as the child
grows.
The parents need to become aware that as children grow and mature, they need
increased responsibility for their individuality.
,hildren, however, need to treat parents with respect and use their advice wisely,
because parents have more life e%periences and are trying to minimise any harm
to their child.
?hilst caring for others can be rewarding, it can also be repetitive, stressful,
tiring, difficult, depressing and lonely.
,onflict can arise if a carer does not feel respected, or if the level of cooperation
by those they care for is less than appropriate.
0ndividuals being cared for may e%perience a range of feelings and emotions that
stem from their condition or special needs. These may include@ !
- pain
- side effects
- frustration
- lac+ of mobility
- lowered self esteem
- lac+ of social interaction
- economic strain
?hen an individuals and their carers points if view clash, this can lead to conflict
,onflict needs to be managed effectively in order for it to be resolved
The cause of conflict, rights and responsibilities need to be ac+nowledged
A variety of approaches (eg. Assertive and co!operative) can be used to negotiate
to see+ an agreement and resolution
S(""ort $or Parents and Carers
,ommunity supports or services can be categorised as@
8ealth $upports or $ervices (.edicare)
All ta%payers contribute to .edicare, which provides access to health services for all
people. 8owever, those who are only covered by the support system of .edicare
may not have access to the same services as those who have private health insurance.
.any communities have a community health centre, which provides a wide range of
advice, support and health care to all age groups (often free). #g. %#lvania
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*ommunit# Health *entre 0ndividuals and families provide informal health supports
to individuals A physical and emotional health
The %#lvania *ommunit# Health *entre is a formal support networ+.
2ree service available to anyone, of any age, who lives in the $utherland $hire.
$ervices currently provided include@ !
Aids education,
Asthma management,
3entistry,
3rug and alcohol services,
3omestic violence counsellors,
,hild mental health councillors,
,hild protection councillors,
Occupational therapy,
8earing assessments,
$chool nurses, and
$peech therapy.
,ommunity groups run their own programs from the centre. Among these are@ !
The $utherland 2amily <etwor+, which is a family support service for
disadvantaged families in the shire,
The &ife $upport 5roup,
The &ocal =outh <etwor+, and
The 3omestic 1iolence ,ommittee.
2unction is to support well being ! 2ulfil the needs of any client-s problems,
,onfidential and information will not be distributed unless relating to The <$?
3epartment of ,ommunity $ervices (3o,$)
3oesn-t offer marriage counselling for childless families, and relationship
counselling.
Organised by the 5overnment, within the 8ealth 3epartment
"rovided by the $utherland 8ospital
Offers a multitude of health services for children and adults.
?ithin the group, there are many Kualified personals for each service provided.
"rovides the community with a support networ+ that can fulfil all types of needs, such
as@ !
"hysical,
#motional' "sychological,
$ocial, and
#conomic
"rovides counselling to help and support individuals, to satisfy their needs and
achieve goals to improve well being and the community-s well being as a whole.
?omen ?ho 8ave #%perienced 3omestic 1iolence
Ph,si!a needs! include food and nutrients in the correct proportion, clothing,
shelter, health care, rest and sleep, safety and protection, comfort, adeKuate
housing and space. These needs need to be safe before benefits from techniKues
to manage stress symptoms are satisfied.
So!ia needs! the counselling will prevent long term problems and assist women
to provide non!abusive environments. The counselling offers short to medium
term psychosocial counselling.
Emotiona&Ps,!hoogi!a needs0 women need to be psychologically safe.
,ounselling aims to help women recover from the psychological effects of the
traumatic e%perience. Also to assist women to regain their confidence, sense of
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self and control over their lives as women often find it difficult to cope and may
e%perience feelings of fear, an%iety, powerlessness and unpleasant memories.
E!onomi! needs0 all counselling is of no charge, therefore there is no need for
economic resources.
A Kualified and e%perienced social wor+er and psychologist provide this service.
,hild, =outh and 2amily
This service is available to children, adolescents and parents, all of whom are
living, wor+ing or going to school in the $hire. Adolescents under the age of 9B
can not be seen without parental consent.
Ph,si!a needs0 the counselling aids an individual to feel safe and protected, with
sleep problems, an%iety and fears, depression and abuse.
So!ia needs0 the service provides group programs for children and adolescents in
order for appropriate social s+ills to be implemented.
Emotiona&"s,!hoogi!a needs0 provides group programs for children and
adolescents in areas of social s+ills such as self!esteem, and other emotional
problems. $tress management and rela%ation groups are provided for school age
children of years eleven and twelve.
E!onomi! needs! all counselling is of no charge, therefore there is no need for
economic resources.
This counselling service is free so that if a family is having financial problems
they do not need economic resources, therefore, basic needs can be met and well
being may be satisfied. 0t also benefits families and the community, as there are
group programs, for e%ample, groups for parents such as life after childbirth and
parenting adolescents. There are also groups for children and also adolescents.
This service satisfies many needs of an individual, family and community,
therefore general well being is being met.
?elfare agencies (3o,$) ' 0ncome and 2inancial $upports
0ncome received from wages and salaries or from a social security pension or benefit
$ocial security benefits include@ !
! aged pension, widow'spouse pension, sole parents pension, unemployment
benefit (the 3ole), carers pension A allowance, young homeless allowance
"ensioners and recipients of benefits may be entitled to some fringe benefits (reduce
costs for people who are dependent on social security)
0ndividuals and families often provide informal income support for each other.
"arenting groups (Firth classes)
"arent education helps parents or future parents acKuire the practical and emo s+ills
needed to raise children. Fut almost all parents find that raising +ids is more
challenging than they e%pected. As a result, use informal learning with formal
activities specifically designed to teach s+ills of parenthood A help parents cope with
a wide range of challenges, from minor frustrations to ma*or hardships.
.ethods of parent education (9) media based edu ($F$ T1), (2) study groups
(counsellor run), (3) observation and participation, (B) home visitation (3o,$),
(5) group training. 2amily support programs put parents in contact with agencies and
organisations that can assist them in raising their children.
,ommunity groups ($alvation Army)
$ervices, which are community based, may be more familiar with the social, cultural
and ethnic composition of the community eg. The L#T program for single parents
The availability of social support is an important variable affecting individual and
family well being and stress. <ot all families have access to social networ+s of
family and friends to help them to satisfy needs.
They may be e%pensive to initiate and operate, the long term benefits suggest that
they are cost effective for the ind'community
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5overnment agencies (social security)
&ocal 5overnment
Eesources offered will be similar between councils eg. Older areas will have
established par+s and recreational areas ; spend more money on fi%ing roads
$ometimes local councils survey local residents to determine changing needs. This
provides the opportunity for people to have input into councils- decisions.
Eesponsibilities A tree lopping, roads, garbage, libraries, childcare centres, pounds
Through payment of rates, residents actually provide for the resources that are
established and administered by local councils.
,hildcare services (playgroup)
2ormal A increased dramatically over the last decade increase in childcare centres,
before ; after care facilities and holiday care facilities.
0nformal A still the most utilised form
,arer-s support groups (home care, meals on wheels, respite)
#nhance the physical and emotional health or recipients. "rovided through the 8ome
and ,ommunity ,are program which is a *oint ,ommonwealth'$tate gov program A
aims to assist people who need basic support services to continue to live in their own
homes eg. 8ouse cleaning, mowing, personal care, respite, home nursing, transport.
An ind who is caring for a person who is in need of constant care and attention may
be entitled to a carer-s pension and formal support to carry out the duties of care.
Types of ,hildcare 2acilities
&ong daycareA usually J.30am A 4.30pm everydayI from 3 months old
?or+ based ,hildcare! crechesI care is provided at or near the wor+site
$hort daycareA usually privately ownedI Nam!3pmI 3!Jyrs old
2amily daycare! operates out of a carers own homeI limited no. of childrenI 3!Jyrs
"laygroup! not child minding centresI parents e%pected to attend with the child
Faby health'early childhood centresA assists in the healthy development of +ids
$upport for ,arers
,arer support groups specialise in advice
They are important especially for unpaid carers
The /,arers <$?- group supply info, education, training and also promote carer
issues
,ounselling support is available through the gov, welfare and private agencies
They allow people in similar circumstances to share e%periences, feeling, concerns
and info (well being)
.any support a specific disability or illness
Assistance is available for home modification eg. Eamps
Eespite can be offered both formally and informally
N+"!%
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