Parenting Practices over Generations

Abstract

Parental practices are a major contribution to any child’s development. The parental practices have evolved during the past years with some areas getting neglected as others are improved on. The parental practices vary from one generation to another in terms of education, breastfeeding, extracurricular activities, sleeping arrangements as well as the involvement in religious activities depending on the parents perception in that particular generation.

Parenting Practices over Generations

Introduction

Parenting has a major role to play in the growth and development of any child. It is a very sensitive role by the parents as it largely determines the kind of values instilled in a child as well as the future of the child in terms of education achievements, character and attitude towards various aspects in life. It is important for both parents if present to actively take part in the rearing and upbringing of their children in order to bring up responsible disciplined and healthy children (Grille, 2008).

In the generation that lived between 1920 and 1950, education was rather informal in setting. There were no organized classrooms with teachers and syllabuses to be followed. The girls were mainly left out for the few who managed to enroll in the few informal institutions that existed. The mode of learning was mainly apprenticeship where the children learnt by observing what their parents did. There were not many extracurricular activities for parents to engage their children in and the few that existed then, parents were not very keen as they did not find them so important (Hoghughi, 2008). The breastfeeding practice was keenly observed without much disruption from other artificial formulas. There was no need for training on breastfeeding and persuasion of the young mothers. It happened so naturally and children then were very healthy. Children were less involved with many activities so that they could follow the proper sleeping arrangement. The mothers brought up the children themselves. Children were involved in religious activities and it was compulsory for them to attend and participate in religious functions. They grew up very disciplined and responsible.

In the generation that lived between 1950 and 1980 there were more improvements as well as failures. Improvements in education with introduction of class settings, schools, syllabuses and computer technologies enhanced their learning. More people were involved in the extracurricular activities, although there was lack of indoor games. However, the sleeping arrangements of children got distracted, so did the breast feeding practice. Parents were not as keen on exclusive breastfeeding and started employing nannies to take care of the children while they worked. Parents took their children to participate in church activities but with less strictness. Participation in the same was less (Narveaz, Panksepp & Score, 2012).

In the last generation which is also the latest, between 1980 and 2010, almost everything changed in the parenting practices. Major improvements as well as failures have occurred in this generation. Parents are more involved in their children’s education and do much follow-up to check if progress is being made (Murray, 2008). Parents have also contributed to the education progress b buying text books, readers and installing internet in the homes. This enables the children to carry on with learning in the comfort of the home, with exposure to computer technology at an early age. Also with this generation, there are equal opportunities for both the boys and girls. However, the children face the challenge of being brought up away from the attention of the parents as the parents try to strike a balance between family and work. The children upbringing is left to the baby cares attenders, the nannies or other relatives. This affected their sleeping arrangement; breastfeeding becomes a challenge since the mother is away for most of the time. Children are subjected to artificial formulas and modified milk (Grille, 2008).

This generation also helps to nurture their talents and abilities through their allowed active participation in extracurricular activities in sports, indoor and outdoor games. This has largely helped in self-development and earns them numerous awards with chances to interact with others internationally. However, there is less involvement in church and religious activities, in which case many get lost and confused in the worldly perspectives regarding religion. Their character gets tainted and they often live irresponsibly. Those who are engaged in such activities on the other hand, live a different lifestyle. Music and theatre through acting has been largely embraced by both parents and the current governments which has created a good foundation for development (Narveaz, Panksepp & Score, 2012).

Conclusion

The parental practices have evolved with years and continue to evolve even in years to come. However, the challenge remains with the parents on the kind of practices they engage in in the various aspects involved such as the above listed. Education has gathered remarkable improvements as well. The deteriorating aspects such as breastfeeding need to be checked so as to evolve in an upward trend. It is equally important for the parents to watch out for any technologies that would be damaging to the children and therefore avoid them. Much caution needs to be taken with the exposure and use of the internet and computer technology as it could be harmful to the morals and behavior of the children in the future lives.

References

Grille, R. (2008). Parenting for a Peaceful World. U.S.A.: New Society Publishers.

Hoghughi M. S., Long, N. & Long, J. (2008). Handbook of Parenting: Theory and Practice. USA: SAGE Publishing.

Kotchick, B. A. & Forehand, R. (2002). Putting parenting in perspective: A discussion of the contextual factors that shape parenting practices. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 11(3), 255-269.

Murray, K. W. (2008). Aggression and Perceptions of Parenting among Urban Public Middle. U.S.A.: Proquest.

Narveaz, D., Panksepp, J. & Schore, A. (2012). Evolution, Early Experience and Human Development. New York: Oxford University Press.