The Experience of Parenting

by Muzi, Malinda Jo

• ISBN13: 9780321011602
• ISBN10: 0321011600
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-01-01
• Publisher: Pearson College Div

Summary

This authoritative based book explores the science of parenting — a body of knowledge built upon study, rather than opinion, and the work of experts who have conducted research in this discipline. It emphasizes that the parenting experience differs across cultures and social class, and acknowledges the impact time, place, natural circumstances, and expectations have on how children are cared for and raised. Coverage includes information on the decision to parent, learning to parent, and a historical perspective on the subject (with parenting experts throughout the ages). The various aspects of parenting, the interrelated forces that influence it, and developing the skills to deal with them, remain a focus throughout the entire book. For anyone thinking about becoming a parent, or already a parent, who wants a valuable resource of information to help deal with the complexities involved in raising a child.

Table of Contents

1. The Experience of Parenting.

Learning to Parent. Defining Parenting. Parenting Experts Throughout the Ages. The Decision to Parent. Parenting: A Historical Perspective.

2. The Context of Parenting.

The World of Parents and Their Children. The Context of Time. Social Class: Windows of Opportunity. Parenting and Gender.

3. Parenting Across Cultures.

The Assumptions of Life: Culture and Ethnicity. Multi-Ethnicity and Parenting. Acculturation Affects Parents and Children.

4. Parenting Within the Family.

The Family Socialization Process. The Well-Functioning Family. The Changing Family Life Cycle.

5. Parenting in Transition.

The Changing American Family. Stepparenting: A Family Challenge. Special Parenting.

6. Special Issues of Parenting.

The Exceptional Child. A Death in the Family. Maltreatment in the Family. Alcohol in the Family.

7. Effective Parenting.

Patterns of Parenting. Belief Systems and Parenting. Parenting Styles. Parent-Education Programs.

8. Methods and Models of Parenting.

Humane Parenting. Childrearing Strategies. Responsible Parents, Responsible Children. Modifying Behavior through Rewards and Punishments. A Family Systems Model of Parenting.

9. Parenting the Infant.

The Transition to Parenting. From Neonate to Infant. Patterns and Rhythms of Life. The First Relationship: The Emotional Bonding of Infant and Parent. The Newborn Conquers the World.

10. Parenting the Young Child.

Getting Up and Going Out. The Health and Safety of Young Children. Organizing the World. The Self-Controlled Child. Play in Early Childhood. Early Childhood Education Programs.

11. Parenting the School-Age Child.

A Time of Industry. Physical Changes of Middle Childhood. Cognitive Changes in Middle Childhood. The Competent Child. The Sibling Connection. Television and Parenting.

12. Parenting the Adolescent and Young Adult.

Puberty: The Matured State. What Should Parents Expect? The Physical Changes of Adolescence. Cognitive Changes in Adolescence. Patterns of Change Within Families. Educating the Adolescent. The Problems of Adolescence.

13. Launching Children.

The Changing Family Life Cycle. Getting Along Adult to Adult. Choosing for College. Life After Launching. The Parenting Experience: A Summing Up.

Bibliography.
Photo Credits.
Text Permissions.
Index.