This lesson emphasizes the importance of parents laying a sturdy foundation for their child's development.
Parents will identify attitudes and practices that strengthen children's development and promote positive parenting competencies.
Participants will analyze their own strengths and competencies as a parent to enhance self-awareness and confidence.
Participants will describe and apply the four positive parenting competencies that support laying a sturdy foundation for their children.
Just as you are your child’s first teacher, your parents were yours. Things they said and did, their way of being and relating to you and others, laid the foundation for many of your beliefs, values, attitudes, and parenting practices. These attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors impact a child's development.
In the previous lesson, you read the following article to learn more the impact of your childhood experiences on your parenting. We will build on what you read in this lesson.
As you watch the video, reflect on the following question:
“What impact do the actions by parents and others have on their child’s development?”
The first years of development in a child’s life is a critical period – not only for the child, but also for the adult. The parent’s knowledge, attitudes and practices are strongly associated with healthy child development.
Research shows that certain parenting practices help children achieve. Visit the website below and explore the five strengths that research shows benefits families.
From the time the child comes into this world, there is a continuing need to learn about the world around her, the people that surround her and how she can control what's happening to her.
The most important thing to remember is that your involvement as a parent is directly linked to your child’s future success and development (Sparks, 2014).
Watch the video to hear from parents and grandparents about their parenting experiences.
This lesson discussed the importance of building a strong fundation through:
Parent strengths and competencies,
The self efficacy or believing that you are an effective parent.
Empowerment, or having confidence as a parent.
Use the following stem to reflect on what you learned today:
Of the four competencies (physical health and safety, emotional and behavioral competence, social competence, and cognitive competence), which one do you consider a strength in your parenting? Explain why. _______________________________________
You are learning about the five parenting strengths. One of them is explaining that your child’s feelings are important. What actions or activities do you do as a parent to show your child that their feelings are important?