ACHPER NSW

Community and Family Studies

HSC Enrichment Day2012

Parenting and Caring

A parent is someone who plays an integral role in the development of children in their family unit. Parents contribute to raising and nurturing children in their care. There are two types of parents, biological and social parents.

a Carer…

a Parent…

A carer is someone who supports the needs and wellbeing of the person within their care due to age, disability, and/or illness. There are two types of carers, paid and unpaid.

Carers can be parents, parents can be carers, but not all carers are parents.

(Beattie, B. Rayner, K. Rayner and Roberts; 2009)

Students learn about Students learn to

becoming parents and carersbiological parents• pregnancy- planned- unplanned

• examine what it means to be a parent, either biological or social, for both females and males

managing parenting and caring responsibilitiespreparations for becoming a parent or carer• social changes parents and carers may have to make

• examine current and future areas for development necessary as a consequence of becoming a parent or carer 

Syllabus Content

(Board of Studies NSW, 2009)

What does it mean to be a Biological or Social parent?

Activity One

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrxjanbSb2o

A biological parent provides the genetic material through

the sperm and ovum to create a foetus during intercourse or

using reproductive technologies.

A social parent does not share the same genetic relationship with their child. They include foster,

adoptive, step and surrogate parents. There are various legal and social implications of social

parenting.

Activity One

Focus Question

Compare the impact of planned and unplanned

pregnancy on the emotional wellbeing of parents

(8 marks)

( Board of Studies NSW, 2004)

Becoming a Biological Parent Planned Vs Unplanned

Pregnancy

Planned Both Unplanned

Using assisted reproductive technologies

Unprotected sex Unwanted sex

Consulting a GP before trying

to fall pregnant

Engaging in sexual intercourse during

ovulation

Improper use of contraceptive

Activity Two

Compare Emotional ImpactPregnancy as a result of Unprotected Sex

Activity Three

Pregnancy as a

result of Unprotecte

d Sex

Pregnancy as a

result of Unprotecte

d Sex

Planned: Feelings of joy, happiness and preparedness

because they have planned for the pregnancy emotionally and have

discussed the pregnancy at length as a couple.

Unplanned: Feelings of fear and nervousness

because they are not prepared for the pregnancy as it something they have not discussed or planned for as

a couple.

Activity Three

Planned: Feelings of elation and preparedness for the birth of the

babybecause the couple decided to engage

in sexual intercourse during ovulation as it is the ideal time to fall pregnant as a woman as a woman

is the most fertile.

Unplanned: Feelings of panic and worry for the couple involved

because they are caught off guard and took a risk engaging in sexual intercourse while the woman was the

most fertile.

Engaging in sexual intercourse during ovulation

Engaging in sexual intercourse during ovulation

Activity Three

Physical- Attend prenatal courses- Improve health before conception- Cease use of alcohol and other drugs- Regular appointments with doctors and specialists

Social- Arrange child-free time with partner- Investigate available support services - Seek support from other family members- Attend parenting groupsEconomic - Create a family budget- Discuss return to work- Purchase equipment for baby- Adjust payments for bills and other commitments

Emotional- Discuss thoughts, feelings and issues with partner - Work on self-regulation techniques- Recognise that other children may become jealous

Preparations for Becoming a Parent.Activity Four

Focus Question

Describe social changes females and males make when preparing to become parents

(4 marks)

(Board of Studies NSW, 2003)

Social Changes when Preparing to Become a Parent

Notes…• Tension arises between parents• Disagreements• Patience is stressed• Relationship is tested• Blame• Pressure to return to work• Pressure to be the bread winner• Working causes issues• Sleep deprivation, especially for mother• Isolation• May hide feelings• Isolated from friends•May feel they can’t socialise without their children and/or partner• Disconnectedness from those friends without children

Activity Five

http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/your_relationship_video.html/context/1075

Current and Future areas for Development

CURRENT(Finding out you are

pregnant)

FUTURE(After the baby is born)

P Parenting groups can provide you with moral support before the baby is born

Parenting groups can provide you with a means to ask questions about your

experiences

A Attending courses after the baby is born to help build

skills in breast feeding, baby massage and/or settling

techniques

R Relationship building with friends who are already

parents

Relationships are strengthened between friends who have children and outings are

planned together

E Enrol in pre-natal yoga or another activity to meet

other new mothers

N Need to read and research on various ways to raise your

child

Need to research on various childcare or schooling for the

child

T Time spent together as a family is important for the

strengthening of relationships and bonding

S Support services are investigated

CURRENT(Finding out you are

pregnant)

FUTURE(After the baby is born)

P Parenting groups can provide you with moral support before the baby is born

Parenting groups can provide you with a means to ask questions about your

experiences

A Attend prenatal classes for the development of various

skills and knowledge

Attending courses after the baby is born to help build

skills in breast feeding, baby massage and/or settling

techniques

R Relationship building with friends who are already

parents

Relationships are strengthened between friends who have children and outings are

planned together

E Enrol in pre-natal yoga or another activity to meet

other new mothers

Enrol in planned physical activity or recreational

activities to have some child-free time

N Need to read and research on various ways to raise your

child

Need to research on various childcare or schooling for the

child

T Time spent with your partner is precious

Time spent together as a family is important for the

strengthening of relationships and bonding

S Support services are investigated

Support services are used to assist in various areas of

child rearing

Activity Six

Good luck for CAFS and your

HSC!