The Process of Parenting

by Brooks, Jane B.

• ISBN13: 9780072826692
• ISBN10: 007282669X
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-07-25
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages

Summary

Using a process approach, this in-depth introduction to parenting children from birth through adolescence includes the theories and practical strategies for how parents and caregivers can establish secure and close emotional relationships with their children. The book focuses on two basic tasks of parenting: creating close emotional relationships with children and establishing effective limits for children. It shows how parents carry out these tasks with children of different ages and with changing life circumstances (i.e. working parents, divorce). Each chapter includes a section on the joys of parenting, reinforcing the positive aspects of being a parent.

Table of Contents

Preface	xxiii
Foreword	xxix
PART ONE General Concepts, Goals, and Strategies of Parenting
Parenting Is a Process	3	(32)
What Is Parenting?	4	(1)
Parenting Is a Process	5	(1)
The Role of the Child	5	(2)
Children's Needs	5	(1)
Children's Importance to Parents	6	(1)
Children's Importance to Society	7	(1)
The Role of the Parent	7	(3)
A Short History of Parental Roles	8	(1)
Parents' Importance to Children	8	(1)
Parents' Importance to Society	8	(1)
Voices of Experience: The Joys of Family Generations	9	(1)
The Role of Society	10	(8)
Defining Roles	10	(1)
Providing Assistance	11	(1)
The Power of Social Forces	11	(2)
Social Forces over Time	13	(1)
Contemporary Families	13	(3)
The Social Health of the Country	16	(2)
Interactions Among Child, Parent, and Society	18	(1)
How Important are Parents in Children's Lives? A Lively Debate	19	(8)
Group Socialization As the Major Socializer of Children	19	(1)
The Importance of Genetic Influences	20	(1)
Adequate Test of Parental Influence	21	(1)
Socialization Researchers' Response to Harris's Criticisms	21	(1)
The Intertwining of Genetic and Environmental Influences	21	(1)
Environmental Modification of Genetic Traits	22	(1)
Greater Sophistication of Socialization Research	23	(1)
Parents and Peers	24	(1)
Parents As Advocates	24	(1)
A Study That Meets Harris's Requirements	25	(1)
Summing Up the Debate	26	(1)
Parenting License	27	(1)
Practical Question: What Are Society's Obligations to Parents?	27	(6)
Interview with Sylvia Hewlett	32	(1)
Main Points	33	(1)
Exercises	34	(1)
Additional Readings	34	(1)
Theories of Development and Strategies of Parenting	35	(32)
Systems View of Development	36	(6)
Evolutionary Developmental Theory	38	(2)
Developmental Contextual Theory	40	(1)
Bioecological Theory of Development	41	(1)
Learning Theories	42	(1)
Psychoanalytic Theories	43	(9)
Erikson's Lifespan View of Development	44	(2)
Lifespan Attachment Theory	46	(1)
Interview with Susan Harter	47	(5)
Theories of Knowing the World	52	(5)
Styles and Strategies of Parenting	57	(3)
Parenting Styles	57	(2)
Parenting Strategies	59	(1)
Practical Question: Are the First Three Years the Most Important for Parenting?	60	(4)
The Importance of Experience in the Early Years	61	(1)
The Modifiability of Early Experiences	62	(2)
In Conclusion	64	(1)
Main Points	64	(2)
Exercises	66	(1)
Additional Readings	66	(1)
Cultural Influences on Parenting	67	(40)
Cultural Models of Parent-Child Relationships	69	(3)
Patterns of Immigration of Ethnic Groups to the United States	72	(2)
The Cultural Influences of Major Ethnic Groups	74	(20)
Native American Families	75	(4)
Americans of European Descent	79	(1)
Americans of African Descent	79	(3)
Interview with Sherrie	82	(2)
Latino Families	84	(3)
Americans of Asian Descent	87	(3)
Americans of Middle Eastern Descent	90	(2)
The Self-Esteem of Ethnic Groups	92	(2)
Commonalities Among Cultural Themes	94	(2)
The Influence of Socioeconomic Status	96	(1)
The Influence of Economic Hardship	97	(6)
Who Are the Poor?	98	(1)
The Effects of Poverty on Children's Development	99	(3)
Ways to Intervene	102	(1)
Practical Question: What Happens When Parent Educators and Parents Have Different Values?	103	(2)
Main Points	105	(1)
Exercises	106	(1)
Additional Readings	106	(1)
Establishing Close Emotional Relationships with Children	107	(29)
Fostering a Harmonious Family Atmosphere	108	(14)
The Power of Positive Feelings	108	(2)
Close Emotional Relationships	110	(1)
Storytelling	111	(1)
Family Rituals	111	(1)
Interview with Emmy E. Werner	112	(3)
Providing Respect and Encouragement	115	(2)
Coaching Children to Manage Emotions	117	(4)
Providing Opportunities for Self-Expression	121	(1)
Identifying and Dealing with Negative Feelings	122	(8)
Sources of Negative Feelings	122	(3)
Creating Family Time	125	(1)
Developing a Support System	126	(2)
Maintaining Realistic Expectations	128	(1)
Managing Negative Feelings	129	(1)
Practical Question: How Do Children Define the Good Parent?	130	(1)
Increasing the Joys of Parenting	131	(1)
Main Points	132	(2)
Exercises	134	(1)
Additional Readings	135	(1)
Shaping and Modifying Children's Behavior	136	(27)
The Learning Process	137	(2)
Promoting Learning	139	(3)
Establishing a Collaborative Atmosphere	139	(1)
Setting Realistic Expectations	139	(1)
Helping Children Meet Expectations	140	(1)
Paying Attention to Positive Behaviors	140	(2)
Teaching Acceptable New Behaviors	142	(1)
Establishing and Enforcing Rules for Appropriate Behavior	142	(10)
Stating Limits Effectively	142	(1)
Enforcing Limits	143	(3)
The Use of Physical Punishment	146	(6)
How a Child's Temperament Influences Parenting Strategies	152	(1)
Practical Question: How Do Parents Select Individually Appropriate Strategies in Rearing Children?	153	(4)
Interview with Jacqueline Lerner and Richard Lerner	154	(3)
Main Points	157	(1)
Exercises	158	(1)
Additional Readings	159	(4)
PART TWO Parenting at Developmental Stages
Becoming Parents	163	(30)
Reasons for Having Children	164	(1)
The Decision to Parent	165	(5)
Married Couples	166	(1)
Unmarried Parents	166	(4)
Coerced Parenting	170	(1)
The Timing of Pregnancy	170	(4)
Age and Pregnancy	170	(2)
Age and Parenting	172	(2)
How the Way of Becoming a Parent Affects Parenting	174	(7)
Adoption and Parenting	175	(3)
Interview with Steve and Michelle	178	(2)
Art and Parenting	180	(1)
Transition and Adjustment to Parenthood	181	(6)
Parents' Preparenting and Personal Characteristics	181	(1)
Interview with James Levine	182	(2)
The Power of a Positive Marital Relationship	184	(1)
Changes the Baby Brings	185	(1)
Dimensions Underlying the Transition	185	(2)
Transition for Parents Who Adopt or Who Have Premature Children	187	(1)
Practical Question: What Changes Can Parents Anticipate for Themselves?	187	(1)
Support for Parents	188	(2)
Classes	189	(1)
Support Groups	189	(1)
Main Points	190	(1)
Exercises	191	(1)
Additional Readings	192	(1)
Parenting Infants: The Years from Birth to Two	193	(30)
The Newborn	194	(3)
Early Social Reactions	194	(1)
Voices of Experience: What I Wish I Had Known about the First Two Years	195	(1)
Early Parent-Child Relationships	196	(1)
Development in the First Two Years of Life	197	(5)
Physical Development	197	(1)
Intellectual Development	198	(1)
Language Development	198	(1)
Emotional Development	199	(2)
Development of the Self	201	(1)
Development of Self-Regulation	202	(1)
The Process of Attachment	202	(1)
Tasks and Concerns for Parents of Infants	203	(7)
Voices of Experience: The Joys of Parenting Children in the First Two Years	204	(1)
Establishing an Optimal Level of Arousal	205	(4)
Promoting Self-Regulation	209	(1)
Parents Who Face Special Difficulties	210	(6)
Adolescent Parents	211	(2)
Depressed Parents	213	(2)
Substance-Abusing Parents	215	(1)
Practical Question: How Do Parents Manage When Children Are Born Prematurely?	216	(3)
Interview with Anneliese Korner	217	(2)
Parents' Experiences in Facing Transitions	219	(1)
Support for Parents	220	(1)
Main Points	221	(1)
Exercises	222	(1)
Additional Readings	222	(1)
Parenting in Early Childhood: The Years from Two to Five	223	(32)
Physical Development	224	(1)
Intellectual Development	224	(1)
Language Development	224	(2)
Voices of Experience: What I Wish I Had Known about the Years from Two to Five	225	(1)
Emotional Development	226	(3)
Anger	226	(2)
Fear	228	(1)
Empathy	228	(1)
Development of the Self	229	(2)
Gender Identity	229	(2)
Ethnic Identity	231	(1)
Development of Self-Regulation	231	(1)
Social Development	232	(6)
Parent-Child Relationships	232	(4)
Relationships with Siblings	236	(1)
Interview with Judy Dunn	237	(1)
Peer Relationships	237	(1)
Tasks and Concerns of Parents	238	(11)
Sleeping	238	(3)
Temper Tantrums	241	(1)
Voices of Experience: The Joys of Parenting Children Ages Two to Five	242	(2)
Sibling Rivalry	244	(1)
High Activity Levels	245	(1)
Interview with Paul Mussen	246	(1)
Aggression	246	(2)
Social Withdrawal and Inhibition	248	(1)
Practical Question: How Can Parents Help When Children Have Disabilities or Developmental Delays?	249	(1)
Parents' Experiences in Facing Transitions	250	(2)
Support for Parents	252	(1)
Main Points	252	(2)
Exercises	254	(1)
Additional Readings	254	(1)
Parenting Elementary School Children	255	(37)
Physical Development	256	(1)
Intellectual Development	256	(2)
Voices of Experience: What I Wish I Had Known about the Elementary School Years	257	(1)
School	258	(3)
Influences within the Home	258	(2)
Influences within the School	260	(1)
Influences within Students	260	(1)
Emotional Development	261	(4)
Common Feelings of Schoolchildren	261	(1)
Interview with Barbara Keogh	262	(3)
Coping with Stress	265	(1)
Development of the Self	265	(4)
Gender Identity	266	(1)
Ethnic Identity	267	(1)
Self-Esteem	268	(1)
Development of Self-Regulation	269	(1)
Social Development	270	(6)
Parent-Child Relationships	270	(4)
Relationships with Siblings	274	(1)
Peer Relationships	274	(2)
Tasks and Concerns of Parents	276	(9)
Promoting Healthy Lifestyles	276	(1)
Helping Children Regulate Feelings	277	(2)
Promoting Positive Social Relationships	279	(1)
Voices of Experience: The Joys of Parenting Elementary School Children	280	(1)
Partnership of Families and Schools	281	(1)
Lying and Stealing	282	(1)
Managing Television	283	(2)
Practical Question: What Can Parents Do When School and Psychological Difficulties Interfere with School Achievement?	285	(2)
Parents' Experiences in Facing Transitions	287	(1)
Support for Parents	288	(1)
Main Points	289	(1)
Exercises	290	(1)
Additional Readings	291	(1)
Parenting Early Adolescents	292	(31)
Physical Development	293	(3)
Voices of Experience: What I Wish I Had Known about Early Adolescence	294	(1)
Psychological Reactions to Growth and Development	295	(1)
Intellectual Development	296	(1)
School	297	(1)
Emotional Development	298	(1)
Development of the Self	299	(3)
Personal Identity and Reference Group Identity	300	(1)
Gender Identity	300	(1)
Ethnic Identity	300	(2)
Development of Self-Regulation	302	(1)
Social Development	303	(8)
Parent-Child Relationships	303	(1)
Interview with Anne Petersen	304	(4)
Voices of Experience: The Joys of Parenting Early Adolescents	308	(1)
Relationships with Siblings	309	(1)
Peer Relationships	310	(1)
Tasks and Concerns of Parents	311	(6)
Communicating with the Noncommunicative Early Adolescent	311	(2)
Encouraging Problem-Solving Skills	313	(1)
Promoting Initiative	314	(1)
Promoting Positive Peer Relationships	314	(2)
Handling School Problems	316	(1)
Practical Question: What Special Needs Do Adolescent Girls and Boys Have?	317	(1)
Girls	317	(1)
Boys	318	(1)
Parents' Experiences in Facing Transitions	318	(1)
Support for Parents	319	(1)
Main Points	320	(1)
Exercises	321	(1)
Additional Readings	322	(1)
Parenting Late Adolescents	323	(31)
Physical Development	324	(3)
Health Concerns	324	(1)
Adolescent Sexual Activity	325	(2)
Voices of Experience: What I Wish I Had Known about Late Adolescence	327	(1)
Intellectual Development	327	(1)
School	328	(1)
Working	329	(1)
Emotional Development	329	(1)
Development of the Self	330	(1)
Gender Identity	330	(1)
Ethnic Identity	331	(1)
Development of Self-Regulation	331	(1)
Social Development	332	(5)
Parent-Child Relationships	332	(3)
Relationships with Siblings	335	(1)
Peer Relationships	335	(1)
Dating	336	(1)
Tasks and Concerns of Parents	337	(12)
Promoting Healthy Behaviors	337	(3)
Voices of Experience: The Joys of Parenting Late Adolescents	340	(3)
Promoting Adolescents' Capacity for Emotional Regulation	343	(3)
Interview with Susan Harter	346	(2)
Promoting Positive Peer Relationships	348	(1)
Promoting School Success	348	(1)
Practical Question: How Can Parents Tell Whether Their Teen Has a Significant Problem?	349	(1)
Parents' Experiences in Facing Transitions	350	(1)
Support for Parents	351	(1)
Main Points	351	(2)
Exercises	353	(1)
Additional Readings	353	(1)
Parenting Adults	354	(27)
Criteria for Adulthood	355	(1)
Theoretical Perspectives	355	(1)
The Influence of Historical Time on Adult Parent-Child Relationships	356	(2)
Diverse Family Forms	358	(1)
Parenting During the Transition to Adulthood	359	(5)
Supporting Growth and Development	360	(1)
The Steep Climb to Adulthood When Resources Are Scarce	360	(2)
A More Gradual Path to Adulthood	362	(1)
Problems Encountered in the College Years	363	(1)
The Path to Adulthood for Adolescents with Chronic Physical Health Problems	363	(1)
General Parenting Strategies for the Transition Period	364	(1)
Parenting Independent Adult Children	364	(5)
Ongoing Nurturing	364	(1)
Generational Closeness	365	(1)
Interview with Julie and Leon	366	(2)
Conflicts between Parents and Adult Children	368	(1)
Promoting Positive Relationships between Parents and Adult Children	368	(1)
Parenting Dependent Adults	369	(2)
Practical Question: What If Adult Children Vacillate Between Dependence and Independence?	371	(1)
Parenting One's Own Parent	372	(3)
Interview: It's Never Too Late	373	(1)
Parents' Experiences in Facing Transitions	374	(1)
Support for Parents	375	(1)
Main Points	376	(1)
Exercises	377	(1)
Additional Readings	378	(3)
PART THREE Parenting in Varying Life Circumstances
Parenting and Working	381	(28)
Dimensions of Participation in Work and Family Life	382	(6)
Types of Families	383	(2)
Children's Ratings of Parents	385	(1)
Divergent Realities	386	(2)
The Flow of Work and Family Life	388	(9)
Parent-Child Interactions	389	(1)
Interview with Susan McHale	390	(3)
Spillover from Home to Work	393	(2)
Spillover from Work to Home	395	(2)
Strategies for Navigating Work and Family Life	397	(2)
Day Care	399	(7)
Types of Day Care	399	(1)
Availability, Affordability, and Quality of Day Care	400	(2)
Interview with Jay Belsky	402	(1)
Impact of Nonparental Care on Children	402	(4)
Practical Question: How Do Working Parents Take Care of Themselves?	406	(1)
Main Points	407	(1)
Exercises	407	(1)
Additional Readings	408	(1)
Parenting in Diverse Family Structures	409	(35)
The Experiences of Unmarried Mothers and Their Children	411	(3)
Unmarried Mothers in the Years following the Birth	412	(1)
Outcomes of Children Born to Unmarried Mothers	412	(2)
Marital or Partner Conflict	414	(1)
The Process of Divorce	415	(10)
Telling Children about Divorce	416	(1)
Children's Reactions to Divorce	416	(2)
Parents' Reactions to Divorce	418	(1)
Factors Affecting Adjustment to Divorce	419	(2)
Protective Factors for Children	421	(1)
Family Changes over Time	422	(1)
Children's Behavior over Time	423	(2)
Should Parents Stay Together for the Sake of the Children?	425	(2)
Before the Divorce	425	(1)
After the Divorce	426	(1)
Fathers' Role in Children's Lives	427	(3)
Fathers' Absence	427	(1)
Fathers' Contributions to Children's Lives	427	(2)
Encouraging Fathers' Participation	429	(1)
Remarriage	430	(8)
Challenges of Stepfamilies	430	(1)
Family Changes over Time	431	(1)
Interview with Emily Visher and John Visher	432	(3)
Children's Behavior over Time	435	(1)
Types of Stepfamilies	436	(2)
Lesbian and Gay Parents	438	(2)
Divorced Lesbian and Gay Parents	438	(1)
Lesbian and Gay Couples' Transition to Parenthood	439	(1)
Children of Lesbian and Gay Parents	439	(1)
Practical Question: What Should Parents Do At Times of Marital and Partner Transitions?	440	(1)
The Power of Authoritative Parenting	440	(1)
Main Points	441	(1)
Exercises	442	(1)
Additional Readings	443	(1)
Parenting in Times of Trauma	444	(33)
Victimization of Children	445	(2)
An Ecological/Transactional Model of Child Abuse and Community Violence	447	(2)
Dealing With Child Abuse and Violence	449	(20)
Exposure to Family Violence	449	(2)
Sexual Abuse	451	(3)
Interview with Jill Waterman	454	(4)
Physical Abuse	458	(3)
Neglect	461	(2)
Other Forms of Personal Abuse	463	(1)
Community Violence	464	(3)
Common Themes in Abuse and Violence	467	(1)
Commitment to Provide Safety	468	(1)
Prevalence of Violence	469	(1)
The Challenge Model	470	(2)
Practical Question: How Can We Keep Children Safe?	472	(2)
Main Points	474	(2)
Exercises	476	(1)
Additional Readings	476	(1)
Epilogue	477
Notes	1	(1)
Credits	1	(1)
Index	1