Children & Family Study Sheet PDF

Unit 6: Children & Family - Study Sheet 1. What is a Family? Western Family Type: ○ Nuclear family: Parents + dependent children. ○ Anything different is often judged. Non-Western Context: ○ Children can head households and manage them competently. Children’s Vi...

Unit 6: Children & Family - Study Sheet 1. What is a Family? Western Family Type: ○ Nuclear family: Parents + dependent children. ○ Anything different is often judged. Non-Western Context: ○ Children can head households and manage them competently. Children’s Views (Pryor & Emery, 2004): ○ A loving, caring, supportive atmosphere matters more than genetic ties. ○ Rejects the idea of a “proper family.” Family Practices: ○ Family life is created and reproduced through activities and interactions. ○ "It’s what families do, not what they are." 2. Family as a Social System Core Functions: ○ Socialize children. ○ Reciprocal relationships: Parents influence children, and vice versa. Types: ○ Nuclear Family: Parents + immediate children. ○ Extended Family: Broader network through genetics/marriage/adoption. Complex Systems (Smith et al., 2009): ○ Members influence one another directly and indirectly. ○ E.g., a child’s behavior impacts parent dynamics. 3. Diversity of Family Types Stats Canada (2022): ○ Common-law families are increasing; often stepfamilies. ○ 1 in 250 couples includes a transgender or nonbinary person. ○ Diversity in family structures is at an all-time high. Family Types: ○ Adoptive/Step-Families: Slightly lower functioning but minimal difference. ○ Gay/Lesbian Parents: No significant difference in child adjustment. ○ Mennonite Families: Defined by rigid gender roles and short childhoods. 4. Roles in Modern Families  Mothers: ○ Still primary caregivers but increasingly working outside the home. ○ Leads to more external caregivers. Fathers: ○ More involved in childcare but still primary breadwinners. ○ Secondary duty is caregiving. Grandparents: ○ Play significant roles in childcare due to longer, healthier lives. Siblings: ○ Always present; relationships are negotiable and impact family dynamics. 5. Parenting Styles Authoritative Parent: ○ Characteristics: Clear limits, high nurturance, reasoning, rewards over punishment. ○ Child Outcomes: Self-reliant, socially responsible, independent, achievement-oriented. Authoritarian Parent: ○ Characteristics: Strict discipline, low nurturance, coercion, little dialogue. ○ Child Outcomes: Anxiety, poor communication, aggression (boys), dependency (girls). Permissive Parent: ○ Characteristics: Few limits, nurturant but undemanding. ○ Child Outcomes: Low self-control, reliance, and independence. Dismissive/Uninvolved Parent: ○ Characteristics: No limits or warmth, uninvolved. ○ Child Outcomes: Low self-esteem, antisocial behavior, difficulty in relationships and trust. 6. Children’s Lived Experiences Discrepancy: ○ 71% of 11-year-olds reported feeling unloved, increasing with age. ○ Only 1/3 of children are asked for opinions in family decisions. ○ They say that they want love, care, and support. ○ 41% of adults (versus 75% of children) reported it was important to listen to children UNCRC Article 12: ○ There is a discrepancy ○ UNCRC article 12 is clearly not being implemented very well at home  Parental Control: ○ Parents often control children’s time and space through punishments (grounding, restrictions). 7. Corporal Punishment Many experts argue that spanking goes against the UNCRC Canada: Yet, it is still legal in Canada but with some restrictions. Children’s Views: ○ 93% think other forms of punishment should be used. ○ 94% would avoid spanking when they become parents. 8. COVID-19 Impact on Families Drastically altered parenting practices in Canada and globally.