This chapter draws upon 14 years of related ethnographic studies to uncover the principal features that characterize family life among the poor. Experiences dealing with multiple agencies are discussed, as well as experiences dealing with health problems in the context of the U.S. medical care system, and the aftermaths of household emergencies. 34 references.
This chapter reviews how theorists and policymakers portray the state’s capacity to alter the behavior and beliefs of low income parents and then highlights findings from a study of two women’s experiences in their efforts to find jobs and supportive resources. Finding a job and securing welfare supports were linked to their parenting pathway, however, the mothers’ first concern was their children’s well-being. The chapter concludes by exploring whether the motivating power of raising children might lead to a more effective family policy. 34 references. (Author abstract modified)
Want to know the secret to making sure your child feels loved? Kids desperately need to know how much you love them. But if you don't know their special "love languages" you might as well be speaking gibberish. Every child (like every adult) expresses and receives love best through one of five communication styles. Find out which one of these your child speaks:* QUALITY TIME * WORDS OF AFFIRMATION * GIFTS * ACTS OF SERVICE * PHYSICAL TOUCHIf your love language is different from your children's, you'd better learn to translate-- fast. Or you could miss your chance to meet their deepest…
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This CD-ROM contains information on how strategies presented in the Parenting Wisely series are successfully implemented. Parenting Wisely (PW) is a self-administered, computer-based program that teaches parents and their children important skills to enhance relationships and decrease conflict through behavior management and support. The program is designed to improve child adjustment and has the potential to reduce delinquency, substance abuse, and involvement with the juvenile justice system. The program uses an interactive CD-ROM in which parents view video scenes of common family problems…
Fathers were often assumed to be on the periphery of children's lives and of little direct importance to children's development. Since the mid-1980sm however, the role of 'father's involvement' has been one of the major themes in child development research and the focus has evolved from describing what fathers do, to discussing what they should do, with their children.
Eirini Flouri combines an analysis of the international literature with her own unique studies that observe the long-term effects of fathering on child development. The findings of this major research programme relate…
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Journal Article Prenatal parenting attitudes and parenting behaviors during infancy and early childhood were used as predictors of attachment in children of adolescent mothers at ages 1 and 5. Seventy-eight adolescent mother - child dyads participated. Data were collected at five time points from the third trimester of pregnancy through the children's 5th year. A high percentage of children exhibited disorganized and insecure attachment during both infancy and early childhood; only 30% were securely attached at 1 year and 41% at 5 years. Quality of maternal interactions and cognitive readiness to parent…
This handbook for parents describes general patterns of adolescent growth and development and strategies for child rearing. It begins by explaining the changing role of a parent of a teenager, common challenges when raising adolescents, and parenting techniques. Information and worksheets are provided that address communication with teenagers, emotional and physical changes in teens, changes in social life and thinking ability, peer pressures, strategies for building self-esteem in adolescents, talking about sexuality and drugs, conflicts and discipline, and managing stress.
Training Materials, Other
This 33-minute DVD presentation is drawn from the Developing Positive Parental Influences parent training component of the Creating Lasting Family Connections Curriculum (CLFC), a curriculum for promoting the healthy development of youth at risk for alcohol and other drug abuse. It features an exercise that illustrates the early excitatory, depressant, and rebound stages that occur during a single episode of acute alcohol intoxication. Designed for parents, it illustrates the risk associated with drinking games, birthday alcohol bashes, and binge drinking episodes. Strategies for avoiding the…
Training Materials, Other
This 33-minute DVD is part of the Developing Positive Parental Influences parent training component of the Creating Lasting Family Connections Curriculum, a curriculum for promoting the healthy development of youth at risk for alcohol and other drug abuse. It discusses how adult language and beliefs about alcohol and other drugs impact children's choices to use them, and illustrates how and why practicing, promoting, and discussing natural, non-chemical means of experiencing pleasure are important tools for parents to use with their children. A card is also included that explains the CLFC…
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Training Materials Recent research in brain development shows how critical the first years of a child's life are to their happiness and success. That puts a special responsibility on parents and caregivers. The First Years Last Forever provides guidance to new parents to help their child thrive and reach their full potential, including information and practical tips on: bonding and attachment; building self-esteem; communication; health and nutrition; effective discipline; and choosing quality child care among other topics.
