Chapter 1 Preparing for Parenthood Chapter 2 Pregnancy

Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood Chapter 2: Pregnancy, Birth, and Postnatal Care

UNIT 1 Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood Introduction In this chapter, you will explore many factors that influence the decision to raise a family. Factors involved in deciding to become a parent include • personal qualities, skills, and attitudes needed for parenting • the role of financial planning in providing care for young children • the importance of supportive relationships with other adults when providing care for young children • methods of adding children to a family and for preventing pregnancy

UNIT 1 Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood Deciding to Become a Parent Choosing to become a parent is an individual decision. Once the decision is made, a lifelong commitment has been undertaken. Discuss the following statements. • Many factors influence the decision to become a parent or not. • Prospective parents must consider the personal qualities and skills needed to be an effective parent. • Prospective parents must be aware of the financial costs involved in parenting. • Prospective parents may underestimate the support they will need for their role of parenting.

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UNIT 1 Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood Influential Factors Many factors influence the decision to become a parent: 1) Social Pressures – the influence of other people on behaviors, choices or opinions - i. e: influence of family and the media How do friends/family or the media influence others to have children? Let’s list some ideas! continued. . .

UNIT 1 Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood • 2) Personal Values • Believing in a child’s potential to have a positive effect as a contributing member of society • Some have a concern about the population growing too quickly • Religious Beliefs continued. . .

Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood UNIT 1 • 3) Cultural Influences • Social norms in a culture or family • In Some cultures… • large family = wealth (more people to contribute to family income) • Procreation is sole purpose of marriage • ”one-child policy” • “child-free” culture • Working women have less children continued. . .

UNIT 1 Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood 4) Physical & Emotional Maturity • Parenting can be physically demanding • Females can have a child once menstruation starts • Emotional maturity develops over time (not age-related), and is VERY important when deciding Knowing you would have to give up freedoms, such as free time with friends and spending money on yourself, do you think you are emotionally ready to be a parent?

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UNIT 1 Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood 5) Financial Health • How much will prenatal care and birth cost? Supplies for the baby? • What other expenses can we expect over the next 18 years? • Do we have a spending plan? How does raising a child fit in? • Are we willing to do without somethings in order to provide for our child’s needs? Giving up freedoms such as spending money on yourself can be part of the decision to become a parent or not.

UNIT 1 Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood 6) Fertility • Fertility = ability to conceive a child • Fertility decreases at 30 and up • Female fertility rapidly decreases after age 35 • Male fertility declines rapidly after age 40

UNIT 1 Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood Other Factors to Consider: • • • Support Education Health Work Situation Lifestyle Change

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UNIT 1 Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood Reasons for Choosing to Become a Parent • Building a family is seen as a step to adulthood • A chance to provide a loving home, possibly through adoption or fostering. • Attempting to save a relationship in the hope that the bond of a child will bring the couple together. • A desire to be like everyone else, planning a child at the same time as friends and family. • A desire to continue the family name, and pass family history, values, and genes on through a child. continued. . .

UNIT 1 Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood Think Critically 1. What might motivate you to start a family? 2. Describe three situations in which deciding to become a parent may not be a good idea. 3. Do the factors influencing the decision to become a parent affect men and women equally? Explain.

UNIT 1 Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood Parenting is a Lifelong Commitment Beginning with the planning and preparation for pregnancy, to the birth of a child, and from infancy to school-age to adolescence and beyond, parents need to be committed. Major Commitments: • financial responsibilities • building a healthy relationship • building information networks • ensuring there is emotional and physical support How might a grandparent be committed to his or her grandchildren?

UNIT 1 Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood Financial Responsibilities The costs involved in being a parent should be assessed in order to prepare fully for parenthood. The financial responsibility has a variety of peak times as the child matures. Consider • the cost of “baby gear” such as furniture, clothing, diapers, car seats, food, medications • loss of income while on parental leave and child care costs when a parent returns to work • continuing costs as children grow and get involved in extra curricular activities Taking a leave from work means reduced income for a year. Some people choose not to have children because of the expense. Do you think this is a valid reason? Explain.

UNIT 1 Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood Healthy Relationships + Emotional and Physical Support It takes time and effort to establish a healthy relationship with loved ones, particularly with a partner who is going to help raise a child. Building a strong foundation of support and encouragement, trust and loyalty leads to a healthy relationship. Skills such as listening and good communication, including conflict resolution skills, will be needed in the years ahead. • Caregivers need emotional and physical support to deal with the lack of sleep, unfamiliar demands and routines, post baby depression, and errands after a baby arrives. • That is why networking with family, friends, other new parents, and health professionals is important How do family members support each other?

UNIT 1 Chapter 1: Preparing for Parenthood Qualities, Skills, and Attitudes • Being responsive means showing respect, caring, and support. • Observe the child’s signals. • Interpret what the child needs. • Act on the child’s need in an appropriate way. • It is important to set boundaries to ensure rules are clear. • Consistency supports routines and boundaries for kids What boundaries do you remember having as a child?

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