PSY 3350 Ch. 18 - The Family and Parenting

Families are dynamic systems

Our development is intertwined with that of other family members.

Berger's family tasks

Providing food, clothing, shelter; Encouraging learning; Developing self-esteem; Nurturing friendships with peers; Providing harmony and stability.

Authoritative parenting

Reasonable demands, consistently enforced, with sensitivity to and acceptance of the child.

Authoritarian parenting

Many rules and demands, few explanations and little sensitivity to the child's needs.

Permissive parenting

Few rules and demands; children are allowed much freedom by indulgent parents.

Neglectful/uninvolved parenting

Few rules and demands; parents are uninvolved and insensitive to their child's needs.

Outcomes of authoritative parenting

Cheerful, socially responsible, self-reliant, achievement oriented, cooperative with adults/peers.

Outcomes of authoritarian parenting

Moody, unhappy, aimless, unpleasant to be around. Little opportunity to earn self-reliance, lacked confidence in their own decision-making skills.

Outcomes of permissive parenting

Impulsive, aggressive, self-centered, rebellious, aimless, low in independence and achievement.

Outcomes of neglectful parenting

Behavioral problems (aggression, frequent temper tantrums), hostile and antisocial in adolescence, resentful.

Cultural influences on Parenting

Some groups value authoritarian parenting, especially collectivistic and low SES groups.

Low SES parents

More restrictive, less warmth, poorer physical environment, more controlling behavior (safety concerns).

Four functions of siblings

Emotional support, Caregiving, Teaching, Social experience.

Parent-child conflict in adolescence

May increase during adolescence, related to asserting autonomy.

Early marriage quality

Predicts later satisfaction.

Age of first childbirth

Is increasing.

Child-free decisions

Greater marital satisfaction during the childbearing years.

Child-rearing stress

More kids = more stress; emphasize the positives about parenthood.

Dual-career households

No negative impacts on child development.

Empty nesting

Usually positive; parents usually react positively to children leaving home.

Boomerang children

39% of adults ages 18-34.

Grandparenthood

Generally a positive experience

3 types of grandparenthood

Remote

Companionate

Involved

Divorce risk factors

Young, short courtship, children before marriage, financial stressors.

Impacts of divorce on children

Most differences between divorced/non-divorced families disappear after 6 years.

Blended families

Includes kids from previous relationships; challenges include different ideas about how stepparents/stepchildren 'should' behave.