Learning for everyone Intergenerational Relationships Theory and Method

Learning for everyone… Intergenerational Relationships: Theory and Method Residential Childcare; Unit 11

Learning for everyone… Introduction Intergenerational relationships are sometimes treated as a barometer of social change. intergenerational relationships can also be treated as if they are the drivers of social change. This happens when parents are blamed for social problems such as crime, drug or alcohol abuse. No social theorist could argue that intergenerational relationships play absolutely no part in social change.

Learning for everyone… Key points Ø Relationships up and down the generations between mother or father figures and son or daughter figures play key roles in the psychological wellbeing and the social connectedness of individuals Ø While theorists believe that children generally learn from their parents and that this learning is shaped by parent’s socio-economic status. Ø Findings show that not all children with parents from the same social status have the same achievement values.

Learning for everyone… Benefits of Intergenerational Relationships Ø According to Erikson, one of the first psychologists to describe social development across the lifespan, the final stage of emotional development is experienced around the age of 60 and older. Ø During this stage, people seek to find meaning in their lives and make sense of the lives they have lived.

Learning for everyone… Why the focus on relationships Developing connections with a younger generation can help older adults feel a greater sense of fulfilment. In fact, linking older adults with youth can provide advantages for both groups. For example, such relationships can: Ø Provide an opportunity for both to learn new skills Ø Give the child and the older adult/carer a sense of purpose Ø Help to alleviate fears children may have of the elderly Ø Fill a void for children who have been separated

Learning for everyone… Development According to Piaget, an important child development researcher, children's cognitive abilities are developed as they build, refine, select, and interpret information using their current understanding of the world. They modify that understanding based on their life experiences. Young children are very concrete in their thinking: Ø what they see is what they know. Ø This means that if children do not interact with older adults, they will have difficulty understanding them.

Learning for everyone… Development Ø Children's negative perceptions about the elderly increase as they grow older, so developing positive relationships at an early age helps reduce negative perceptions. Ø Relating to older adults can be particularly challenging for adolescents. Ø Adolescents tend to be focused on the present and think mainly about themselves, so they may be less interested in learning about older adults

Learning for everyone… Facilitating Intergenerational Relationships Here are some ways for parents to help children form rewarding intergenerational relationships: Ø Set reasonable goals for the relationship it is the nature of the contact that is the most important quality of the relationship. Ø Plan appropriate activities Frequent, one-on-one contact will enable the two generations to bond

Learning for everyone… Activities that Initiate, Build and Strengthen Intergenerational Relationships Care settings and carers should instigate programs that encourage and facilitate intergenerational relationships between children and older adults: Ø Storytelling. Swapping stories is a great activity and can help build a connection. Ø Letter writing/pen pals. Writing letters is another great option and helps child development Ø Learning skills. Many older adults have skills or talents that would be interesting for children to learn about: Reading, Cooking or Scrapbooking are amongst a few

Learning for everyone… How can carers challenge the existing barriers? Ø Children who come into care can feel isolated, vulnerable and lonely Ø By creating Intergenerational Relationships, you as a professional carer can make this transition more understandable and tolerable for them