Parenthood: Parenting and Children
Chapter 7
PARENTHOOD
Definition of Parenthood Parenthood is the process of raising children who will provide continuity within the family. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing one’s children grow, learn, and enjoy life. Parenthood has been called the world’s most difficult job- offering no pay, no fringe benefits, no vacation and precious little thanks. A counselor once remarked that “the first half of our lives is spoiled by our parents, and the last half by our children. A parent’s job is to give a child both “roots and wings”. This is not an easy task. Rearing children may indeed the life’s greatest mixed blessing. It is full of good times and bad times, frustrating challenges and elating successes. A baby’s first stumbling steps and first words, a teenager’s first love, a grown child’s first baby- all are important transitions that parents remember. At the same time, children bring heavy responsibilities and drain energy, finances, and time.
Conventional Wisdom About Parenting The following is a list of commonly held folk beliefs called conventional wisdom regarding parenting: 1. Rearing children is nothing but fun.
Although childrearing can be fun, it is also a thankless and very demanding job. Parents have to make childrearing fun they are to enjoy it. 2. Children are always sweet and cute.
Although children can be adorable, they can also be selfish and destructive, as well as extremely active physically. 3. Children will turn out well if they have “good parents.
Parents are an important factor in a child’s development, but they are only one influence among many, including school, the mass media, and the child’s peer group. The goal of parenting is to instill values and positive behaviors with the hope that children will internalize and them in their lives. But there are no guarantees. Some good parents work hard at parenting, only see their children get into great difficulty in life. 4. Children improve a
PARENTHOOD
Definition of Parenthood Parenthood is the process of raising children who will provide continuity within the family. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing one’s children grow, learn, and enjoy life. Parenthood has been called the world’s most difficult job- offering no pay, no fringe benefits, no vacation and precious little thanks. A counselor once remarked that “the first half of our lives is spoiled by our parents, and the last half by our children. A parent’s job is to give a child both “roots and wings”. This is not an easy task. Rearing children may indeed the life’s greatest mixed blessing. It is full of good times and bad times, frustrating challenges and elating successes. A baby’s first stumbling steps and first words, a teenager’s first love, a grown child’s first baby- all are important transitions that parents remember. At the same time, children bring heavy responsibilities and drain energy, finances, and time.
Conventional Wisdom About Parenting The following is a list of commonly held folk beliefs called conventional wisdom regarding parenting: 1. Rearing children is nothing but fun.
Although childrearing can be fun, it is also a thankless and very demanding job. Parents have to make childrearing fun they are to enjoy it. 2. Children are always sweet and cute.
Although children can be adorable, they can also be selfish and destructive, as well as extremely active physically. 3. Children will turn out well if they have “good parents.
Parents are an important factor in a child’s development, but they are only one influence among many, including school, the mass media, and the child’s peer group. The goal of parenting is to instill values and positive behaviors with the hope that children will internalize and them in their lives. But there are no guarantees. Some good parents work hard at parenting, only see their children get into great difficulty in life. 4. Children improve a