6
Contents
Part One
Decisions
About Parenting 10
1 Parenting:
A Rewarding Choice 14
The Job Description 15
The Responsibilities of Parenting 21
The Rewards of Parenting 25
2 Families and Parents 29
Parenting Occurs in a Family 30
How Families Are Formed 30
How Families Are Structured 32
How Families Function 35
Families Develop in Stages 37
Families Operate as a System 39
Factors That Impact Parenting 42
Connecting Parents, Children, and Society 48
3 The Decision to Parent 52
What Influences Parenting Decisions? 53
Factors to Consider Before Parenting 56
Readiness for Parenthood 61
High-Risk Parenting 63
Decision Making 68
Part Two
Positive
Parenting 74
4 Becoming a
Competent Parent 78
Family Relationships and Parenting 79
Parenting Supports Child Development 81
Guidance and Positive Discipline 88
Resources for Parents 102