48 Part 1 Decisions About Parenting
For example, as home computers become
more common, children whose families don’t
have them will be at a disadvantage. These
children may not develop the same computer
skills as children with home computers.
People need computer skills to compete in the
job market. As a result, many public libraries
and schools are working to make computers
more accessible to the general public.
Families must be careful to use
communication and entertainment
technology in moderation. Spending long
hours in front of a TV or computer takes
time from other activities, such as exercising
and spending time with family and friends.
Families must balance their time among
various activities.
Connecting Parents,
Children, and Society
Parents, children, and society all have
critical, interacting roles in the parenting
process. As you read through the following
information, look at Figure 2-17 to gain
understanding about these connections.
Importance of parents to children and
society. As part of the parental role,
parents provide for their children’s
needs. They nurture them and teach
children valuable skills needed by
adults. They also teach society’s values.
While fulfilling these responsibilities,
parents also prepare their children to be
responsible citizens for society.
Importance of children to parents and
society. Without any effort of their own,
children give meaning to the lives of their
parents. They help parents feel mature
and responsible. Children also impact
what resources (food, clothes, toys, or
services) parents may need from society.
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From society’s view, children ensure
that society continues. They become the
workers and consumers that keep the
economy running. In addition, children
pass on society’s values and traditions to
the next generation.
Importance of society to parents and
children. In addition to expressing
gratitude for the role of parents in society
more often and directly, society informs
parents of the skills children need. It
provides support services for parents who
need them. Likewise, society provides
for children’s needs through community
resources and the media. When families
have problems that interfere with how
children grow and develop, society
intervenes on behalf of the children to
protect their rights. Society makes sure
that children have everything needed to
grow into mature, responsible citizens.
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Society
Parents Children
Parents, Children,
and Society
2-17 Important consequences come from the
interacting roles of parent, child, and society in
the parenting process.