Unit Four: Nurturing a Family Unit

Chapter 11: Parenting Decisions

Focus Topic: Qualities That Make Good Parents

Healthy Reasons for Parenting

To extend the family to a new generation and share the future with a younger life.

Continued

Healthy Reasons for Parenting

To enjoy the personal experience of having children. Sharing love with a

child and nurturing him or her to adulthood is important to both parents.

Unhealthy Reasons for Parenting

To gain the prestige of having children.

To yield to pressure from grandparents who want what their friends have.

Continued

Unhealthy Reasons for Parenting

To show physical competence and prove the arrival of adulthood.

To gain personal power.

Continued

Unhealthy Reasons for Parenting

To gain love. Some parents believe

that a child will bring the love and affection they need.

Others believe that a child will improve their marriage.

Realistic Expectations

The decision to parent should be based on realistic expectations. What are the child’s needs? What does it take to meet

those needs? What additional needs

materialize as a child grows and develops?

Qualities Needed by Parents

Emotional maturity The emotions of the

parents must be a stabilizing influence in a child’s growth and development.

Continued

Qualities Needed by Parents

Unconditional love Parents should love

their children under any circumstances.

Continued

Qualities Needed by Parents Flexibility

Parents must be able to change their relationship with the child as he or she grows and develops into an independent adult.

Continued

Qualities Needed by Parents Responsible behavior

Parents must make choices that will help a child develop fully in all areas of life.

Signs of Responsible Parenting

Providing mature role models.

Continued

Signs of Responsible Parenting

Providing a nurturing environment.

Continued

Signs of Responsible Parenting

Providing a secure environment. Meeting a child’s needs for food, clothing,

shelter, medical care, and safety.

Continued

Signs of Responsible Parenting

Providing a stimulating environment.

Providing Satisfaction

One benefit of having children is they can give parents satisfaction.

Promoting Maturity

Another benefit of having children is they help parents mature.

Recognizing Human Weaknesses

A third benefit of having children is they help parents recognize their human weaknesses.

Enjoying Leisure Time

A fourth benefit of having children is they can help parents enjoy family leisure time.

Feeling Hopeful About the Future

A fifth benefit of having children is they can give parents a reason to look forward to tomorrow and beyond.

Focus Question

How can couples tell if they are candidates for becoming good

parents?