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Notes: Parenthood Bring Changes

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Parenthood – the state of being a parent

Notes: Having a child brings dramatic and long-lasting changes to every parent’s life. Some of these changes involve joy and deep satisfaction. Other changes can be difficult to deal with, especially when parents are unprepared for them.

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Outcomes:

GLO# 1: The students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of Parenting and Family Relationships

Specific Curriculum Outcomes It is expected that a student will . . .

1.2A -describe personal, psychological, physical, financial, and philosophical readiness for parenting.1.2B -analyze the impact of individual choices of choosing to parent or not to parent.1.3C -describe and explain the roles and responsibilities and challenges of parenting, (e.g. working parents).

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Text p. 50-53

“The Changes that Parenthood Brings”

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Notes: New Responsibilities

Raising a child is a life-long commitment including physical care, financial support, love and guidanceNew parents need to manage their time, money, energy, knowledge and skills in meeting their responsibilities.They may also call on family, friends and community resources for help and support.

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Changes in Lifestyle

Parents face making adjustments in their day-to-day living. Parent’s schedule must revolve around the child’s schedule.Example: newborns need to be feed every couple of hours around the clock, on top of other chores, leaving very little time for parents – Children of all ages need care therefore placing limits on the parents personal freedom. Parents may even have to give up a job outside the home!

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Emotional Changes

It takes time for new parents to sort through their conflicting feelings and grow accustom to their new role.

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Notes: Emotions of New Parents

Anxiety –how to care for the babyFear – being a good parentFrustration – loss of personal freedomLoneliness – most time spent home with babyWorry – financial issuesJealousy – attention going to babyDepression – related to exhaustion or physical changes

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Handling Emotions

Each new parent’s situation is different, therefore affects of emotions will be different for everyone.Parents that prepare for these changes will cope better than those who don’t prepare - Patience, support and understanding from others will make these adjustments easier.New parents need to understand that these reactions are normal and with some work they will overcome the rough spots and enjoy the positives of parenting.

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Relationship Changes

New parents will find changes in their relationships between partner, family or friends.Most new parents are physically exhausted and under a great amount of stress, all which can place a strain on relationships. (less patience, tempers flare etc.)

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New Parents can Avoid Conflicts by:

Plan carefully in advanceRead books and articles on parentingTalk to family & friends who have experienced parentingTake parenting or childcare classesTalk over issues such as budgeting ahead of timeDecide on how household tasks will be sharedMake time for each otherKeep a sense of humor!!!!

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Many People are affected by the role of new parents!

Friends – May not have as much time to spend with them and single friends may feel they have less in commonCouple’s parents – They are now grandparents! Increased feelings of closeness but perhaps conflicting feelings (about getting older?)Other children of the couple- a brother or sister may react with jealousy or misbehavior.

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Rewards

In spite of all the adjustments and problems involved in parenthood, it also bring many joys; Happiness, Pride, Enriching a strong relationship, Fun, a sense of Accomplishment and most of all LOVE.