Parent-Child Relations History, Theory, Research, and Context

This book was written to acquaint undergraduate students with the study of parent-child relations in the following major areas: The history of childrearing in the United States as well as philosophical and theoretical perspectives that have guided child socialization practices in this country. Variations in childrearing patterns, including the childrearing practices of ethnic majority and ethnic minority parents in the United States as well as childrearing practices in other countries. Coverage of parent-child relations at each of the following developmental stages: infancy and toddler-hood, preschool and middle childhood, early to late adolescence, and early to late adulthood. Challenges faced by parents and children when the special needs of the child, the family dynamics, or the experience of grief and loss place children at developmental risk. Child socialization strategies for guiding children to become increasingly more competent and to have higher self-esteem as well as parenting skills for preventing and responding to problem behaviors. Contextual Approach to Parenting The contextual approach to parenting, which is a distinctive feature of the book, is emphasized by the inclusion of both historical and cultural approaches to understanding parent-child relations. Historically, we will examine how those relationships have changed during the past century as well as ways in which more recent changes in the family (such as the rising rates of grandparent primary caregivers) have altered caregiver-child relationships. We will also explore parent-child relationships in various ethnic groups within the United States and compare those to the lives of parents and children in selected cultures throughout the world. Theory and research in human development and family relations have been interwoven with presentations of historical, cultural, and structural variations in the family; this focus is the basis for most of the chapters in the text. A discussion drawing attention to how cultural beliefs affect parent-child relations is presented early in the text. Because the cultural approach is a central theme of this book, it is essential to understand that there are important differences and similarities in parent-child relationships across cultures. A discussion of the variations in families due to marital status, sexual orientation, and the care of children by adults other than parents is presented early in the text as well. The purpose of addressing the similarities and differences in various family arrangements is to heighten understanding of the commitment to the care of children that exists in families regardless of the conditions that have brought them together. The early presentations of cultural and structural variations in families are not meant to stand alone but rather to set the stage for discussions throughout the text that will focus on parents and children in the various settings in which their development occurs. That approach allows students to see how culture and family variations, as well as age and gender, are related to parent-child interactions at each stage of life. Parenting Strategies Another distinctive feature of this textbook is the in-depth coverage of parenting strategies. An overview of contemporary parenting strategies is presented in the final chapter, chapter 11, which includes a variety of techniques. Abundant figures in that chapter help explain each technique, and sufficient examples are provided to enhance students' understanding of how to use each of them. Furthermore, the strategies contained in the final chapter support information covered in previous chapters and provide guidance for parents as well as for professionals working with children and their parents or other caregivers. This approach to the presentation of child socialization strategies allows students to integrate theory, research, and technique.Heath, Phyllis is the author of 'Parent-Child Relations History, Theory, Research, and Context', published 2004 under ISBN 9780130488428 and ISBN 0130488429.