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LESSON OBJECTIVE: To learn about the preparations for becoming a parent -
C: Changing health behaviours
O: organising finances
M: Modifying the physical environment
E: Enhancing knowledge and skills
SUCCESS CRITERIA: To examine a range of parenting and caring situations and assess the impact preparations can have on the wellbeing of the dependant.
When an individual becomes a parent or carer, it may come about through many different circumstances. Social parents may not have the opportunity to prepare for the birth of their child in nine months and may get a phone call at short notice that they will meet their new child. As with any role in the community, it is essential that a parent or carer be well prepared
Discuss: What preparations would new and expecting parents need to consider and implement when expecting a child? List on board. Then make a carers list.
Changing Health behaviours:
Health is holistic and encompasses physical, social, emotional, spiritual and cultural health. Changing health behaviours may mean that expectant mothers modify their diets, while carers need to increase their intake to ensure they have the energy to care for themselves and others. For a carer having to look after the elderly or physical disabled they may have to learn lifting techniques. To cope with the new situation, parents and carers will need a support structure in place and they may have to make new social or spiritual connections.
Make a table in books and copy some examples from the preparations listed
Organising finances:
Ensuring there are enough economic resources to cover needs is essential to organising finances. Creating a clear budget, recognising any money coming into the situation and what will need to be bought or paid for will help parents and carers preparing for their circumstances. Prior savings can be used for initial outlay of purchases, however, depending on the situation, savings may need to be used sparingly to enable more time away from work, especially if the dependant will need long-term care. The government will support parents and carers, however, new parents and carers will need to apply to Centrelink and provide supporting documents to receive these payments.
Modifying the physical environment:
Changing the environment by modifying the house, moving, buying new equipment and adding amenities to meet the needs of a dependant is important when preparing for a new parenting/caring situation. In situations where the mobility of the dependant becomes an issue, widening doorways to suit wheelchairs or walkers, installing ramps and handrails, and increasing the lighting to reduce risks of falls are all steps new carers can implement to fulfil duty of care responsibilities. Equipment may also need to be purchased or hired to support bathing and tolieting. For new parents, preparing a nursery will involve safe sleeping solutions such as cot or bassinet, temperature control to reduce the risk of SIDs and baby proofing the house
Enhancing knowledge and skills:
In order to cope with situations that are different or new, a new parent or carer can increase their understanding by going to courses, reading books, blogs and information booklets, and talking to experts. Seeking out support groups will enhance the knowledge of parents and carers to find out new strategies that have worked in similar situations. Attending a training course, such as an antenatal class, will give hands-on skills and teach expectant parents some skills so that they may cope in new circumstances.
Watch I am a girl the documentary of Manu, a 16 year old girl from Papua New Guinea who is about to become a parent. Observe the preparations she undertook for becoming a parent and answer the following questions in your books.
What preparations do you believe Manu had made before becoming a parent?
How will these contribute to the wellbeing of the dependant?
List some specific preparations Manu did not, or was unable to undertake
Assess the impact this will have on the wellbeing of the dependant
Interview your parents to ask them about the preparations they undertook for parenting or caring.
Create a series of questions you wish to ask someone on the preparations they undertook for parenting or caring.
Class teacher can answer questions or invite someone into the class who is willing to be an interviewee. Record responses in a table. Students should base their questions on the following areas: C O M E
Group activity:
In small table groups, complete the 'come on over' activity by identifying the different preparations that are required in different parenting and caring situations and explain the impact on the wellbeing of the dependant.
What are the preparations of a parent or carer (3)
How does enhancing knowledge and skills impact the wellbeing of an elderly woman in a caring situation (5)
Examine the preparations of becoming a young carer (7)
To what extent do preparations of parenting and caring impact the wellbeing of a dependant (8)
Past HSC Questions
“Explain the preparations that tina could undertake to enhance the wellbeing of this dependant” (6) 2019
John has just completed university. His mother has recently been involved in a major car accident. John is now required to provide full time care for his mother.
Explain the preparations John would undertake as a carer to ensure his mothers wellbeing (8) 2015
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