Factors Affecting the parenting and caring role

Age

The age/maturity of dependent will determine specific needs that need assistance:

• Baby – all needs

• Child – food, clothing, safety, love & affection

• Adolescent – sense of identity, education

• Adults/elderly – health (carer’s role to assist with/maintain)

No matter the age, the carer/parent should be fostering a positive relationship with the dependant by satisfying needs

Promoting wellbeing occurs by meeting dependent's needs and managing resources. A dependent's needs change throughout their lifespan; e.g. parents meet child’s physical needs, adolescent’s self-esteem needs, then emotional/economic support to adult children – here, promoting wellbeing of dependent is essential

Skills / Capabilities

Skills/capabilities of dependent will influence carer’s/parent’s role. E.g.:

• • An adolescent may contribute to their health needs themselves by participating in physical activity, their education needs by completing homework, etc.

  • They may need assistance in meeting their safety/security needs – e.g. curfew

A carer may need to help building skills/capabilities in a dependant

• • A person with a disability may need assistance bathing, feeding, etc.

  • They may never complete these tasks independently, but some may learn how

  • Here, the carer needs to continue promoting the wellbeing of the dependant

In childcare, skills/capabilities of children would affect the roles of the workers

• • E.g. may be required to change baby’s nappy/help toileting pre-schoolers

  • Educational activities need to be modified according to skills/capabilities of children

Special Needs

Can relate to people with an illness, disability or allergies, and gifted children

• E.g. Chronically ill child may require specific health needs met at hospital, not by parents & gifted children may need education needs met by professionals, not parents

A positive relationship may be easier to build in cases where more time is needed for activities of daily living (e.g. hygiene, medication, feeding needs, etc.)

Difficulties in communication may impact on the ability to form positive relationships

Promoting wellbeing is especially important for those with special needs - a dependent may require more physical/emotional support in everyday activities

• E.g. When the dependent is a spouse, the relationship between husband and wife changes to that of carer and dependent

PERSONAL

Generally speaking, religion and customs passed down in a particular culture impacts the relationship between parent/carer and the dependant. It helps to create an inclusive environment.

Generally speaking, sharing a religion or faith base with a dependant will help to build positive relationships and deep connections between parent/carer and the dependant. However, the opposite is also true.

Generally speaking, your attitudes and behaviours regarding parents/carers will be firmed based upon what you observed in your parents. However, some may want to operate differently due to conflict in their own upbringing.

Generally speaking, the more experience someone has, the more proficient/confident they are in parenting/caring.

Generally speaking, the busier someone is, the more it impacts upon the relationship between parent/carer and dependant. This is due to a lack of time to build positive relationships.

Generally speaking, education is a huge influence on parenting/caring - The more educated someone is, the easier it is to access adequate support.

Generally speaking, socioeconomic status is a key factor for parents/carers. Being able to afford the necessary equipment and clothing is important. However, showering dependants with gifts does not always equate to positive relationships.

Generally speaking, illness and disability provide a barrier for parents/carers. 

Interchangeability of Resources:

This is useful when a parent is in a leadership position at work is spending long hours there. They may choose to swap the excess money they earn for someone's time to clean the house. This gives them more time to spend with the family when they are home.

Use of Technology:

A busy parent or carer may use technology to save time. using a robotic vacuum or dishwasher instead of hand held cleaning will not only save time but aklso energy as it requires effort to push the hand held around.

Organisational Tools:

A a parent or carer may be busy volunteering a a local school or organisation as well as managing a household. The use of calendars, checklists and rosters will create a clear guide as to who needs to complete each task.

Accessing Support:

When a carer has to care, parent other dependents and then perhaps work, they may need some time away. Formal respite care is available as well as Informal support networks that can be used. For example if a working mother leaves work too late to pick up their child from school she may another family member to help out.

SOCIAL

• Community attitudes are represented as the ‘norms’ of a community area

• The community around you may influence how you parent based upon a popular leader, group or media source.

• This may influence:

• Schooling - Home vs. External

• Vaccinations

• Feeding - Breast vs. Bottle

• Clothing - New vs. Second hand

• A child’s concept of being ‘male’ or ‘female’ comes from them observing their parent and carer’s behaviours. 

• Demonstrating flexibility in gender roles leads to less conflict & greater cooperation in parenting and caring.

• Traditional Gender Roles:

  • • Men - Earn Money, take care of the house, coach the sporting team and discipline

    • Women - Care, nurture, clean, feed etc..

• In 2018-19, 93.5% of primary parental leave (paid or unpaid) was taken by women (ABS)

• In 2018, more than double the number of women (618,800) than men (241,900) provided primary care to a person with a disability. (ABS)

Gender roles overtime:

Generally speaking gender roles within families have changed over the past 20 years. This is due to the views of society progressing from the traditional gender roles within the family. Specifically:

Female Labour force has increased:

• In 2019-20, two-thirds of women (67.6%) aged 20–74 years old participated in the labour force. The 2019-20 rate is the highest for women during the past 10 years. (ABS)

• In the past 10 years there has been a 7% increase in the female labour force for women aged 30-34. (ABS)

Education Attainment:

• Of all women aged 20-24, 92.5% have attained year 12 qualifications or above, compared to 87.5% of men in the same age bracket. (ABS)

However there are still barriers for women to overcome:

Economic security:

• The full-time average weekly ordinary earnings for women are 13.4% less than for men.

• Among non-public sector organisations with 100 or more employees, the gender pay gap for full-time annualised base salary is 15.0%, and 20.1% for full-time annualised total remuneration.

Women in Leadership:

• Women hold 14.6% of chair positions and 28.1% of directorships, and represent 18.3% of CEOs and 32.5% of key management personnel.

• 30.2% of boards and governing bodies have no female directors. By contrast, only 0.4% had no male directors.

• Advertising and tv shows more often than not depict females in nursing/caring job ads and males in trade and corporate roles

• Dramas often depict mothers and fathers in traditional gender roles, however this has changed in more recent times. E.g// Modern Family and House Husbands.

• However, the media has also enabled carers and dependants to find out about financial support, which makes the caring role easier and allows for a stronger bond with the dependant.

The style of parenting or caring an individual adopts may be linked to their own previous experience, the age of the dependant or their cultural background.

The style of parenting or caring the individual adopts will influence how they fulfil their roles of a parent or carer. 

Specifically, fulfilling their roles as a parent or carer includes satisfying specific needs, building a positive relationship and promoting wellbeing (from the previous dot point in the syllabus).

Authoritarian

• This style of parent displays strict rules and limits. There is a clear expectation that dependants will follow the rules, and if they are broken, the consequences will be harsh. 

• There may be a lot of experiences but limited freedom within those choices to relax and have fun. 

• Communication is clear, but the tone is firm, there is no negotiation.

Example - A parent who controls when their dependant spends time with friends will significantly impact the need of sense of identity as well as social wellbeing. 

Impact on Roles:

• This style of parenting will aim to satisfy all needs, however they are often the needs that have been preconceived by the parent

• The parent may aim to build a positive relationship; however, young people may not respond to this style. 

• When limits are pushed and young people try to establish independence, conflict and stress may occur, limiting the promotion of wellbeing. 

How might this child behave at school?

Democratic

• Invites all members to have a say in decisions. 

• This style of parenting/caring relies on the lines of communication to be clear; equality in the decision-making process and discussion when negotiating limits and rules are key characteristics of this style.

• Through the time spent with the dependant their behaviour will lift to that expected by the parent/carer.

• If the dependant does not lift, the consequences are clear and related. 

Example - a nursing home resident who has input into decision-making surrounding activities and food choices is more likely to successfully meet their sense of identity needs. 

Impact on Roles:

• This style of parenting will satisfy all specific needs, including a sense of identity. These dependants are able to make their own mistakes, accept them, learn from them which encourage independence.

• The trust placed on the dependant to do the right thing encourages the building of positive relationships. Open, honest and trusting words are used to describe this style of parenting. 

• The promotion of wellbeing is also a key aspect of this style, allowing the dependant to grow and develop in the areas of social and emotional wellbeing.

How might this child behave at school?

Permissive/Indulgent

• This style of parenting is very lenient. There are few demands on the child, and they are free to behave however they choose. 

• Indulgent parenting/caring is characterised by parents/carers being highly involved in all aspects of the dependant’s life, but few demands and limits are set. 

• If limits are broken, responsibility is not taken and blame is placed elsewhere. 

• This form of parenting/caring may be confusing for the child; however, the confusion is superseded by the lack of demand and freedom. 

Example - A parent who continually offers their child gifts or opportunities with very limited behavioural expectations. 

Impact on Roles:

• The specific needs are usually always met, even when the dependant does not deserve it. This may lead to the dependant becoming an immature adult who continually wants attention & their needs met immediately.

• It may be difficult to develop a positive relationship with this dependant as relationships rely on give and take, and this dependant has only experienced take. There may be significant opposition when setting boundaries for the dependant.

• Often the promotion of wellbeing is poor, as dependant may engage in high-risk activities, that significantly impact upon physical wellbeing.

How might this child behave at school?

Negligent

• This style of parenting is characterised by not meeting the basic needs of a dependant. It includes both physical and emotional needs.

• Physical: insufficient food, lack of suitable clothing, hygiene needs not met, etc. Can be as a result of gambling/substance abuse issues.

• Emotional: lack of warmth, affirmation & affection from carer/parent, negligence in supervision, etc.

• Elder Abuse - Involves neglect where the dependant may not be fed or cleaned appropriately and where over-medication is used to control behaviour. Carer may receive a Carer Allowance, but not provide care.

Example - A parent who does not provide adequate food or resources for their child to adequately behave and concentrate at school.

Impact on Roles:

• This is when the dependants needs are not satisfied. 

• In negligent parenting/caring cases, government agencies may remove the dependant from care and place them with a loving family who can satisfy their basic needs and aim to develop the positive relationship. 

• This dependant may never experience the general feeling of satisfaction relating to wellbeing, as they have had to strive to achieve it with little direction. 

How might this child behave at school?

Describe TWO styles of parenting or caring and examine the impact that each has on the roles of parents and Carers (6 Marks)

Answer the question here - Parenting Styles (instructure.com) 

Legal Rights

Rights of Carers:

• Covered by the Carer Recognition Act 2010, which defines a carer & acknowledges their contributions.

• Receive financial help – ‘Carers Payment’/‘Carers Allowance’ given through Centrelink & FACS

• Covered by Anti-Discrimination Amendment Act 2000 – In areas such as employment.

• Access support through the ‘National Carer Counselling Program’

Rights of Children:

Basic rights from UN Convention on Rights of a Child 1989:

• Non-discrimination against children

• Actions concerning children should be in the best interest of the child

• All children have the right to life, survival & development

• Children have the right to have their views expressed & heard

Basic rights that Australian courts recognise relate to:

• Autonomy of children - the right to make their own decisions

• Medical treatment - over the age of 14, a young person can make their own medical decisions

• Inheritance - Children have no absolute right to inherit their parents property after death, but are entitled to claim under Family Law Provisions.

Rights of Dependants (needing care):

There are many laws that protect the rights of dependants needing care. These are:

• Age Discrimination Act 2004 - People of all ages should be provided dignity (hygiene needs being met by carer, how they address them verbally)

• Rights & Responsibilities for Home Care 2009 - Adequate care, compassion and understanding

• Aged Care Act 1997 - Protected from neglect and abuse

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992 - Recieve all necessary services as a result of their disability.

Analyse the Impact of legal rights on the wellbeing of Parents, Carers and dependants:

Health and Medical decisions (children/dependants):

Children and dependants have the right to adequate health care and appropriate medical decisions (Australian Court / Rights & Responsibilities for Home Care 2009). 

This impacts: 

Physical Wellbeing - The dependant or child is physically fit and healthy 

Emotional Wellbeing - The dependant or child's sense of identity and emotional health will be positively impacted as they are able to participate in the wider community. 

Education and Schooling (children/dependants):

Children and dependants have the right to education (Education Act 1990 & UN Convention on Rights of a Child 1989). 

This impacts: 

Social Wellbeing - The child is able to connect with other students and participate in social gatherings 

Emotional Wellbeing - The dependant or child's sense of identity and emotional health will be positively impacted as they are able to participate in the school community.

Financial Support (parents/carers):

Parents and carers have the right to financial support and employment with sufficient leave to take care of dependant (Carer Recognition Act 2010 & Anti-Discrimination Amendment Act 2000 ). 

This impacts:

Economic Wellbeing - The parent/carer is able to provide for their family due to the economic benefit of employment or financial support.

Emotional Wellbeing - The parent/carer's sense of identity and emotional health will be positively impacted as they are able to provide for their family.

When considering education and schooling, describe the impact legal rights of parents/carers on the wellbeing of the dependant (4 Marks)

Answer the question here - Legal Rights of Parents and Carers (instructure.com) 

Responsibilities of parents and Carers

• Parents and carers have a legal obligation as both guardians & custodians.

  1. • Guardian: responsible for the long-term welfare of their dependant

     • Custodian: being responsible for the dependant’s daily care

• This applies to issues such as education, health and welfare, delegation of roles in the instance of a family breakdown, transfer of care (dropping a child off at preschool or school for the day) and meeting the child’s wellbeing each day (who is responsible for this).

• Education Act 1990 NSW states that parents must ensure their children are enrolled and attending school, or are being home-schooled.

If a child feels safe, cared for and encouraged they are more likely to develop a positive relationship with their parent of carer. This is due to the fact the child/dependant feels respected within the family unit.

• This is the setting of boundaries which are designed to keep the dependant healthy and safe. 

• Setting limits is aimed at maintaining the health and welfare of dependants; however, if by chance rules are broken or boundaries pushed, a parent or carer has the responsibility to deter this behaviour from happening again by administering a consequence for the action. 

• Guidelines based on positive reinforcement works much better than harsh punishment.

• Setting limits allows dependants opportunities to:

  • • • Know what is expected of them

      • Know how far they can go

      • Learn about fairness

      • Respect others

Setting limits can build a positive relationship with the dependant by making sure they are safe and respectful. This may improve the relationship as the dependant sees that the parent/carer has their best interest at heart. However issues may arise if the child does not see that the parent wants what's best for them - this may impact the relationship between parents and dependants.

• This includes administering a consequence to deter an unwanted action. 

• Parents and carers must ensure that discipline and subsequent actions are appropriate and not physical.

• Parents and Carers should establish clear rules and practise discipline that is understood by their dependants. 

• Children are not happy, relaxed or secure without rules or limits. However, children should be included in this discussion

Discipline can build a positive relationship with the dependant by allowing them to understand the world around them in a safe and respectful environment. Again, this will only develop positive relationships if the child/dependant understands that the parent/carer has their best interest at heart.

Discuss how the responsibilities of parents and carers contribute to building a positive relationship with the dependant (6 Marks)

Answer the question here - Responsibilities of Parents and Carers (instructure.com)