TRANSITION TO PARENTHOOD Parenting Occurs within Social and Cultural Contexts Emphasis on parenting o When are you going to start a family Two Implications 1 To be considered a family you must have children 2 It is normative to have children o Choosing to have children is not an easy decision o Emerging three options 1 Remain childless 2 Postpone parenthood 3 One child families Motivations for Parenting Altruistic selfless concern for the motivation of others Narcissistic selfish psychological condition preoccupation with self unconscious Fatalistic destined events are predetermined purpose of childbirth Instrumental children used as means to an end family lineage business legacy 4 Influential Factors for Transition into Parenthood 1 Desire to be a parent 2 Anticipate socialization or training 3 Clarity of role demands 4 Support available while making this transition Identity Tasks 1 Altering family themes culture 2 Defining a parental role identity Adult focused to child focused perspective shift often based on family of origin society Status in society women who are childless are often marginalized 3 Shaping and molding of child s identity Parents bring their own idealized image of what children should be must be flexible Transformation of Boundaries 1 Renegotiating distances with family and friends 2 Realigning marital boundaries Conflict is inevitable lower sex life less social time 3 Balancing boundary between work and family Time management technology Managing Household 1 Renegotiating housekeeping strategies inclusion of new ones as well Chores increase resentment may escalate men and women adopt gender roles 2 Managing finances Direct and indirect costs education groceries Managing Family s Emotional Climate 1 Maintaining quality of marital relationship Communication and intimacy shared time internal boundaries 2 Maintaining a satisfying sexual relationship Women decrease and men often become resentful 3 Managing leisure activities Negotiation of interests 4 Managing existing and new areas of conflict Women s Stress breastfeeding body image post partum depression WHAT IS A GOOD PARENT Balance between parental warmth nurturance and discipline control Control Strategies of Parenting Style 1 Authoritarian Value obedience to authority expect unquestioning compliance curb children s self will Respect hierarchy hostile aggressive punishment No child rearing responsibility uninvolved parents lenient avoid confrontations children 2 Permissive Neglectful have personal freedom chaos few restrictions limited guidance 5 No Nonsense 3 Permissive Indulgent 4 Authoritative Individuation enhancing Set reasonable limits and expectations Provide structure and reasoning Warm flexible empathetic responsive attentive consistent Positive reinforcement not punishment Leads to honesty altruism cooperation trust academic achievement high self esteem Falls between authoritarian and authoritative Higher on control than authoritative and involves more warmth than authoritarian Represents a functional adaptation to contexts that are more dangerous Parent is vigilant and caring Parents who do not guide their children or enforce demands Consult with their children about each step Parents will change their suggestions if children object Such parents never punish but are very loving and involved same as Permiss Indul style 6 Wavering Negotiating Determinants of Parenting Style 1 Parent s personal psychological resources o Family history differentiation abilities personality psychological health 2 Unique characteristics of the child o Gender age developmental status temperament 3 Contextual sources of stress and support o Importance of couple relationship social networks work environment Good Parenting Involves Adequate economic resources Active involvement in a child s life and school activities Supportive communication