Influences on Parents and Carers

Question 1

What are the personal influences?

Answer 1

CROPMESS

• Culture, customs and tradition
• Religion/spirituality
• Own upbringing
• Previous experience
• Multiple commitments
• Education
• Socioeconomic status
• Special needs

Question 2

Culture, customs and tradition

Answer 2

• Can influence parenting and caring
• People want to uphold their culture
• Physical requirements are met e.g cultural clothing, meals and occasions
• Different customs and traditions can cause language barriers

Question 3

Religion/spiritually

Answer 3

• Seeking identity
• Can create conflict between kids and parents
• Influence choice of education
• Carers must take a neutral stand point to minimise conflict and foster safety and security

Question 4

Education

Answer 4

• Education for parents can be received formally or informally (community groups or TAFE)
• Higher levels of education = higher quality of life for the dependent
• Aims to enhance skills and equip them to deal with day to day activities
• Parents with positive experiences can pass this down onto their children

Question 5

Previous experience

Answer 5

• Parenting is influenced by ones own childhood and their experiences
  Example - a parent with positive family values are likely to carry this onto their own children
• Carers with experience are likely to be more knowledgeable and understanding towards the dependent

Question 6

Own upbringing

Answer 6

• Modified practices and experiences of the parent or carer
• Upbringing can determine the way an individual parents
• Can repeat or change their own experience

Question 7

Multiple commitments

Answer 7

• Each role comes with obligations and responsibilities
• Time management to effectively adopt all roles to meet the needs of the individual
• Building a positive relationship by showing interest
• Requires support to juggle all of their roles

Question 8

Socioeconomic status

Answer 8

• Impacts wellbeing and dependant: income, care/support, home, schooling, spending limits, wellbeing, food/lifestyle choices
• e.g a well off family may not spend as much time with their children however pay for formal support to assist

Question 9

Special needs

Answer 9

• Requires increased support
• Dependancy can create strain and stress
• May strength the relationship due to the close bond
• Frequent medical attention demands time and resources

Question 10

What are the social influences?

Answer 10

MCG

• Media stereotypes
• Community attitudes
• Gender expectations

Question 11

Media stereotypes

Answer 11

• Exposed to behaviours and opinions on the tv, radio and internet
  Example - depiction of men and women in film
• Can comply or challenge an individuals values

Question 12

Community attitudes

Answer 12

• Behavioural norms
• Dress codes
• Educational techniques
• Acceptable activities
• Parents and carers who are unaware of these rules or refuse to follow them may face criticism or questioning

Question 13

Gender expectations

Answer 13

• Set of behaviours and attitudes that are commonly accepted, appropriate or desirable for a person based on their biological sex
  Example, stay at home mums, men who go out to work