Chapter 9: Parenting and Prenatal and Early Childhood Development

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on parenting, pre-parent considerations, changes over time, and legal duties.

Parenting

The activity of raising a child, including biological, step, adoptive, foster, and other caregivers who meet a child’s physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs.

Carers

People who carry out parenting responsibilities even if not the birth parent (e.g., step-parents, adoptive, or foster caregivers).

Child's needs

The physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs that parenting aims to meet.

Before becoming a parent: key considerations

Relationship readiness; mental and physical health; and financial security.

Adapt routines

Adjusting daily patterns and activities to accommodate a child.

Decision-making influences

Social norms, personal values, and life circumstances that shape parenting decisions.

Changes in parenting in the last 50 years

More flexible work hours; more women in full-time work and working from home; varied income and education levels; higher divorce/remarriage rates; and single parenthood by choice.

Role toward child from birth

Understanding and responding appropriately to the needs and rights of a child from birth.

Environment promoting development

Providing an environment that supports the child’s optimal development.

Changes in relationships for prospective parents

Shifts in relationships that may occur when becoming a parent.

Coping with stressors of parenthood

The ability to handle the additional stresses associated with becoming a parent.

Legal responsibilities of a parent

Protecting from harm; providing food, clothing, housing; financial support; safety, supervision, and control; medical care; education.

Shift from personal freedom to responsibility

Parenting involves moving from personal autonomy to taking on responsibility for a child.

Healthy pregnancy preparation

Parents-to-be should adjust their lifestyle to support a healthy pregnancy.

New parent challenges

Relationship changes, increased duties, financial pressures, and career adjustments.

Letting go of past routines

Old routines may need to be changed to prepare for parenting.

Parenting preparation steps

Saving money; attending parenting classes; deciding if one parent will stay home.

Resources and opportunities for health and development

Parents and caregivers provide resources and opportunities to meet the health and development needs of infants and children.

Health and development needs

The health and development needs of infants and children.