Meeting the challenges of parenting
Factors that enhance and hinder the role of parents
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April 2001
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Abstract
What makes life easier or more difficult for parents raising young children? How do parents from different cultural backgrounds view these issues? The Australian Institute of Family Studies' Parenting-21 study of families from Anglo, Torres Strait Islander and Vietnamese communities provides some insights. The project was part of an international study (the International Study of Schools, Parents and Children: ISPCS), the aim of which was to identify cross cultural difference and similarities in parenting beliefs, values, daily concerns and behaviour. The comments of the parents participating in the study highlighted the need to provide multi layered, flexible and culturally sensitive approaches to supporting families, with support for parenting directed at various system levels - the individual, group, family, community and society.
What makes life easier or more difficult for parents raising young children? How do parents from different cultural backgrounds view these issues? The Australian Institute of Family Studies' Parenting-21 study of families from Anglo, Torres Strait Islander and Vietnamese communities provides some insights. The project was part of an international study (the International Study of Schools, Parents and Children: ISPCS), the aim of which was to identify cross cultural difference and similarities in parenting beliefs, values, daily concerns and behaviour. The comments of the parents participating in the study highlighted the need to provide multi layered, flexible and culturally sensitive approaches to supporting families, with support for parenting directed at various system levels - the individual, group, family, community and society.