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Introduction
Do you love children? Have you thought
about becoming a parent someday? Perhaps
you are excited about a career working with
children, parents, and families. If any of these
peak your interest, Parents and Their Children
is written for you!
Because most people become parents,
this book focuses on the decisions and skills
related to effective parenting. It explores
various family forms and functions, the
cycle of family development, and how the
parenting role changes as children grow and
develop. When and why to have children,
what health practices to follow before and
after pregnancy, and how to prepare for
childbirth are just a few early decisions
prospective parents must make.
From the moment of birth, parents
and their children constantly learn, grow,
and change. Parents move from imagining
what their child will be like to the realities
of day-to-day parenting. Learning about
children’s stages of development and how
parental interactions can promote optimum
development are crucial for successful
parenting. Positive parental attitudes
and behaviors powerfully impact how
well children develop and succeed in the
world. This text shows you how to promote
enjoyable, supportive, encouraging, and
rewarding parent-child interactions.
Along with a strong emphasis on
effective parenting practices, this revised
edition of Parents and Their Children includes
up-to-date information on pregnancy,
prenatal care, and childbirth. Important
topics, such as moral development and
character in children and ways for families to
work through challenges and crises, lead to
strong parenting skills and children who are
capable of making their way in the world.
Your future success as a parent (or in
a child and family-related career) requires
important skills and personal qualities,
such as guiding children, communicating
effectively, and loving children
unconditionally. Parents and Their Children
offers the foundation knowledge you need on
the pathway to effective parenting.