Becoming a Parent or Carer
Identify TWO ways an individual may become a parent.
Biological parenthood and social parenthood, such as adoption, fostering or step-parenting.
Identify the THREE characteristics of the dependant that can affect the parenting or caring role.
Age, skills/capabilities and special needs.
Name the FOUR parenting and caring styles.
Authoritarian, democratic, permissive/indulgent and negligent.
What is meant by duty of care?
The responsibility of a parent or carer to take reasonable steps to protect the dependant from harm.
A father stays home to care for his children while his partner works full-time. Which social influence is most relevant to this scenario? (MCG)
Gender expectations.
What is planned parenthood?
When an individual or couple makes a conscious decision to become a parent and prepares for the role.
Identify FOUR personal influences on parents and carers.
Any four of: culture/customs/traditions, religion/spirituality, education, previous experience, own upbringing, multiple commitments, socioeconomic status and special needs.
Which parenting style involves high levels of control with limited input from the dependant?
Authoritarian.
Identify THREE responsibilities of parents and carers.
Duty of care, setting limits and discipline.
A parent raises their children using many of the same rules and expectations they experienced as a child. Identify the personal influence.
Own upbringing.
Identify THREE factors that should be considered when preparing for parenthood.
Examples include current health status, financial situation, housing, parenting skills, support networks and impact on existing roles.
What are the THREE major social influences on parents and carers? (and what is the acronym)?
Community attitudes, gender expectations and media stereotypes.
MCG!
Which style generally involves parents/carers setting boundaries while also allowing dependants to contribute to decisions?
Democratic.
Identify the THREE areas considered when examining the legal rights of parents, carers and dependants.
Health and medical decisions, education and schooling, and financial support.
A child develops an illness requiring regular treatment and additional assistance. Identify the characteristic of the dependant affecting the parenting role and explain its impact.
Special needs. The parent may need to provide additional care, attend appointments, gain specialised knowledge and manage additional time and financial commitments.
Explain why support networks should be considered when preparing for parenthood.
Support networks can provide emotional, practical, financial and informational assistance, helping parents manage their new responsibilities.
Explain how the age of a dependant can affect the role of a parent or carer.
The level and type of support required changes according to age. For example, a young child generally requires greater supervision and assistance than an older, more independent dependant.
Explain ONE potential impact of a permissive/indulgent parenting style on a dependant.
The dependant may experience considerable freedom and develop independence, but limited boundaries may make it more difficult to develop self-discipline or understand limits.
Explain how setting limits can contribute to a positive relationship between a parent/carer and dependant.
Appropriate limits provide boundaries, consistency and security while helping the dependant understand expectations and acceptable behaviour.
Parents establish a curfew for their 16-year-old but allow them to negotiate a later curfew for special occasions. Identify the parenting style and justify your answer.
Democratic. The parents maintain boundaries and expectations while allowing the teenager to participate in decision-making.
Assess how preparation for parenthood can affect the wellbeing of both the parent and dependant.
Effective preparation can improve financial, physical and emotional readiness, reduce stress and help parents meet the needs of the child, contributing to the wellbeing of both.
A parent works full-time, studies part-time and has two children. Explain how multiple commitments may affect their parenting role.
Competing commitments can reduce available time and energy, potentially creating difficulties meeting parenting responsibilities. Strategies such as prioritising, planning, sharing tasks and accessing support may assist.
A family has a 5-year-old and a 16-year-old. Explain why the parents may need to adapt their parenting approach for each child.
The children's ages, capabilities and levels of independence differ. The younger child is likely to require greater supervision and guidance, while the teenager may benefit from greater independence and involvement in decision-making.
Analyse how parents' and carers' responsibilities can contribute to the wellbeing of their dependants.
Meeting duty of care, providing appropriate discipline and setting limits can create a safe and supportive environment, helping meet the dependant's needs and building a positive relationship.
A parent works full-time, cares for an elderly parent and has two school-aged children. Propose TWO strategies they could use to manage their multiple commitments and explain how each strategy could improve wellbeing.
Responses could include planning/prioritising, sharing responsibilities, accessing formal or informal support, flexible work arrangements or respite care. Students must link each strategy to improved management of roles and wellbeing.