Children's Roles in Canada and First Nations

The average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime based on current birth rates.

The number of children a woman needs to have to ensure that the population stays stable, taking into account deaths.

The idea that women's roles in families have changed over time, from being primarily economic assets to being mostly focused on emotional and financial dependence.

The financial burdens associated with raising a child, including housing, childcare, and education.

The impact of divorce on family planning decisions, often leading couples to consider the potential instability it might bring.

The traditional division of labor in First Nations societies where men hunted and women focused on plants, animals, and children.

The shift in First Nations societies caused by colonization, where European patriarchal values undermined traditional roles, leading to confusion and conflict.

The historical emphasis on women's role in childbearing and the importance of lineage and wealth in upper-class families during European immigration.

The choice to not have children, often made consciously and intentionally.

The state of not having children, despite wanting them.

The process of adapting to the arrival of a child in a relationship, renegotiating roles and responsibilities.

The feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted due to too many demands and responsibilities.

A theory that views families as interconnected systems, where changes in one member impact the whole.

A perspective focusing on how individuals understand and define their roles in families.

The strain and stress experienced by individuals as they try to balance their different roles.

The unequal sharing of household tasks and childcare responsibilities, often leading to resentment or conflict.

A family structure where grandparents raise their grandchildren, often due to parents being unable to provide care.

The various ways individuals and communities provide support for raising children.

The changing roles of parents and partners in the household, reflecting modern trends and evolving societal expectations.

The challenges and rewards of multigenerational caregiving in families where grandparents play a significant role.

The importance of navigating roles, responsibilities, and relationships within families as circumstances evolve.

The idea that parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends all influence and are influenced by each other. This concept highlights how a change in one part of the family system (e.g., becoming a parent) affects the whole network.

A type of parenting that involves firm rules and expectations but also warmth and responsiveness to children's needs. It involves clear boundaries but also allows for open communication and emotional connection.

A bond between a child and caregiver, formed through consistent care and responsiveness. Secure attachment leads to trust and confidence in relationships, while insecure attachment can lead to anxiety and difficulty forming strong bonds.

A parenting style characterized by high emotional warmth and low discipline. Children are allowed a lot of freedom and often have limited structure.

A key developmental task for new parents where they learn how to balance their own needs and relationships with the demands of parenting. This involves adapting to changes in social networks, managing time between different roles, and negotiating responsibilities within the family.

The shift in traditional gender roles, such as women taking on more professional roles and men becoming stay-at-home dads.

The study of how individuals and groups interpret and create meaning in social interactions. It helps explain how changing social norms influence our understanding of fatherhood and family dynamics.

A parenting style that emphasizes strict rules, obedience, and limited emotional expression. It often involves harsh punishment and little room for children's autonomy.

This theory suggests that individuals develop their sense of self through the feedback they receive from others, and meaning is assigned to experiences based on social interactions. Applying this to having children, couples might decide to or not to have children based on the opinions and experiences of their close social circles.

This theory examines how power dynamics within society can impact decisions about having children. Couples may disagree on whether or not to have children, reflecting power imbalances within the relationship. Alternatively, they might decide against having children due to concerns about limited resources.

Systems theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals within a family. Changes within one member can affect the entire family system. When a couple decides to add a child, it creates a new subsystem, requiring adaptation and adjustment to maintain balance.

Developmental theories highlight predictable changes in behavior and roles of individuals over time, including within families. These changes are influenced by societal expectations and can be applied to different stages of family life, such as newly married couples or families with young children.

This theory suggests that individuals make decisions based on a cost-benefit analysis, weighing potential benefits against associated costs. When deciding to have children, parents might consider the emotional fulfillment and love they might receive against the financial and time investments required.

This theory examines how gender and sex influence social interactions and relationships. Particularly relevant to family planning, it highlights inequalities between men and women, including pay gaps. The theory suggests that women may face more significant career setbacks when choosing to have children.

This theory examines how social expectations and norms influence the transition to adulthood. Having children is considered a significant marker in this transition, marking a lifelong commitment.