TYPES OF PARENTS:

There are TWO main type of parents: biological parents and social parents. The parent who has provided the genetic material - sperm or ovum- to create the foetus is a biological parent. A parent who has a parenting role but does not share the genetic relationship with their child is a social parent; for example, through adoption, fostering, step-parenting, and surrogacy. 

Parenting is the process of raising and nurturing children, caring is looking after the needs and wellbeing of another individual.

Parenting promotes the development of an individual within a family, while caring involves meeting the needs of a dependant that may or may not be related. Remember: carers can be parents and parents can be carers, but not all carers are parents.

ACTIVITIES:

1.  Discuss the different types of families within our class, school etc. How have roles of families changed over the last 20-30 years for example?

2. Read and discuss  Biological parents, noting information on assisted reproductive technology (ART). Discuss the social and legal implications involved with ART and watch IVF clip for understanding. Discuss the mpact of legal, social and technological change on social parents by considering changes in -legislation, community beliefs & attitudes, reproductive technology