Core Study 3: Factors Affecting the Roles of Parents or Carers
Characteristics of the Dependant
Note:
Characteristics of the Dependant = (ASS)
Age (A)
Skills/capabilities (S)
Special needs, eg illness, disability (S)
Characteristics of the Dependant = (ASS)
Age (A)
Skills/capabilities (S)
Special needs, eg illness, disability (S)
Age
Parent
When the child is a baby, they need their parents to cater to every single need, making the role more extensive. As the child grows, they need their parent less and less and may grow a wanting bond rather than a needing one as they start to fulfil their own needs. No matter the age, every child requires a loving relationship to be able to give it themselves later. |
Carer
Depending on the caring situation, the way in which the dependant is cared for will change by their age. For example, a young patient of a doctor/nurse will need to be talked to in a way that relaxes them in a scary environment for a child, however, as they grow older the terminology and way information and actions is presented to them will become more routine and less concerned for their mental state (though it is still a factor) |
Skills/capabilities
Parent
Children are able to assist parents in their raising with the development of skills such as the knowledge to eat well and exercise regularly to promote their physical wellbeing, rather than relying on their parents to do all the work for them. This means parents’ roles will become more guiding rather than manhandling to nurture their still growing children. |
Carer
The carer’s role will depend on how capable their dependant is in working with the carer to promote their own wellbeing. For instance, young children and people with disabilities that restrict motor skills require help with bathing and dressing themselves. |
Special needs, eg illness, disability
Parent
Parents with children who are particularly gifted or have disabilities may require assistance from other people or organisations to either meet the intellectual capabilities of a mentally gifted child, or to help understand and give the knowledge to properly care for their child with a disability of any description. |
Carer
Carers who care for dependants who are in a disability position are more often than not experts in caring for people in that situation, however they may need to modify the way they care for the person depending on the severity of the case. Teachers, for instance, may need to modify their teaching methods for an intellectually gifted child. |
Influences on Parents or Carers
Personal
Note:
Personal Influences on Parents or Carers = (CROPMESS)
Culture, customs and tradition (C)
Religion/spirituality (R)
Own upbringing (O)
Previous experience (P)
Multiple commitments, eg work, study, sport, family (M)
Education (E)
Socioeconomic status (S)
Special needs, eg illness, disability (S)
Personal Influences on Parents or Carers = (CROPMESS)
Culture, customs and tradition (C)
Religion/spirituality (R)
Own upbringing (O)
Previous experience (P)
Multiple commitments, eg work, study, sport, family (M)
Education (E)
Socioeconomic status (S)
Special needs, eg illness, disability (S)
Culture, customs and tradition
Parenting
Sharing cultural beliefs (e.g. attending cultural festivals with the family) can have a positive effect on parenting as it creates bonding time |
Caring
Language barriers in some cultures may negatively effect the caring relationship as carers may struggle to gather information regarding care for an elderly dependant. |
Religion/spirituality
Parenting
Parents who share a religion with their children are able to not only understand and accept the beliefs of the child but are able to share in them, positively affecting the parent/child bond |
Caring
Carers don’t always share the dependant’s religion, and some may be rather open about their dislike of the religion, negatively influencing the caring experience for both parties |
Education
Parenting
An educated parent is more likely to be aware of support services such as parenting groups. This can have a positive effect on parenting as the parent will have others around them to give advice. |
Caring
A carer such as a babysitter lacks experience, this may have negative effect on the care the child receives such as if the babysitter allowed dangerous play to occur, resulting in injuries. |
Previous experience
Parenting
Parents who have not had any children before are less likely to be knowledgeable about how to raise their own, causing them to overreact or underreact about things, which could be a negative influence on the child |
Caring
Carers who have been in their profession for some time and have experience in caring for their dependants, allowing them to be more in tune with understanding what their dependants want from them, creating a more positive caring experience. |
Own upbringing
Parenting
Parents who experience a very privileged upbringing my look back to see that they were overly spoilt and then decide to be stricter in their parenting. This may cause the child to feel as though their parents’ methods are lacking in affection, negatively affecting the relationship. |
Caring
Carers who were brought up with neglecting parents and little affection not only may be the reason they became carers, but may motivate them to demonstrate more care and affection in their work, making the caring experience more positive for the dependant and carer. |
Multiple commitments, eg work, study, sport, family
Parenting
Parents may enrol their child in extra curricular activities or use paid carers to supervise their child while they work. This may have a negative effect on the parent/child relationship from lack of bonding. |
Caring
Carers may try to involve family members or use formal supports, such as respite and community transport. This may have positive effect on the carer/dependant relationship as the carer has time to recharge and give the most to the dependant when they return. |
Socioeconomic status
Parenting
Parents with a high socioeconomic status and who are able to shower their children with gifts and holidays may not be spending quality time with them, negatively effecting their relationship. |
Caring
Carers, such as teachers, who come from a high socioeconomic status of their own making are able to teach their dependants how to work hard for themselves and either improve upon their status or maintain it for their future. |
Special needs, eg illness, disability
Parenting
Parents who share a special need such as deafness are able to communicate with each other, and perhaps interpret if the child is gifted in lip-reading, making their bond stronger and positively affecting their relationship |
Caring
Carers who have dependants with special needs and are uneducated in the care required for such a person may have a hard time satisfying their needs and wellbeing, forming a negative bond |
Social
Note:
Social Influences on Parents or Carers = (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
Media stereotypes (M)
Community attitudes (C)
Gender expectations (G)
Social Influences on Parents or Carers = (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
Media stereotypes (M)
Community attitudes (C)
Gender expectations (G)
Community attitudes
- The ‘norms’ of the area
- Families who choose to home school are questioned, as the norm is to utilise schools
- Vaccinations are another topic of question that creates hostility between parents with different opinions
- Dependants should receive care based on priority and circumstances e.g. wheelchair reliability or able to walk with minor assistance
- Community attitude is that government funding should be directed towards health, childcare etc. however not enough is provided (e.g. carer numbers insufficient)
- Families who choose to home school are questioned, as the norm is to utilise schools
- Vaccinations are another topic of question that creates hostility between parents with different opinions
- Dependants should receive care based on priority and circumstances e.g. wheelchair reliability or able to walk with minor assistance
- Community attitude is that government funding should be directed towards health, childcare etc. however not enough is provided (e.g. carer numbers insufficient)
Gender expectations
- A child’s concept of being ‘male’ or ‘female’ comes from them observing their parent and carer’s behaviours
- By demonstrating flexibility in gender roles leads to less conflict and greater cooperation in parenting and caring
- As there are usually more females than males in the caring industry, such as nursing, this reinforces a gender role that females are more nurturing and ‘belong’ in a caring role
- By demonstrating flexibility in gender roles leads to less conflict and greater cooperation in parenting and caring
- As there are usually more females than males in the caring industry, such as nursing, this reinforces a gender role that females are more nurturing and ‘belong’ in a caring role
Media stereotypes
- 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
- Media has enabled carers and dependants to access financial support, which makes the caring role easier and allows for a stronger bond with the dependant.
- Dramas often depict mothers and fathers in traditional gender roles
- Media has enabled carers and dependants to access financial support, which makes the caring role easier and allows for a stronger bond with the dependant.
Styles of Parenting or Caring
Note:
Styles of Parenting or Caring = (People Always Need Deodorant)
Permissive/Indulgent (P)
Authoritarian (A)
Negligent (N)
Democratic (D)
Styles of Parenting or Caring = (People Always Need Deodorant)
Permissive/Indulgent (P)
Authoritarian (A)
Negligent (N)
Democratic (D)
Authoritarian
Being demanding and inflexible on all matters, only caring about one opinion; their own. They have their own ideas about how to parent and will stick to these no matter what anyone else tells them.
Positive
In a caring relationship, for the carer to be authoritarian if they were, for instance, a social worker with a foster child dependant who was a rough case, it would make it easier to have the child submit to behaving and going on to lead a better life later on, which will improve the social, economic, emotional and physical areas of wellbeing. |
Negative
The dependant may feel like they have no voice and are not valued as a person despite the fact that the carer is there to uphold their wellbeing. This could cause a decline in emotional wellbeing in the dependant. |
Democratic
Parenting/caring style that allows for the children/dependants to put in their opinion and views before a decision is made.
Positive
In a caring relationship the dependant feels as though their wellbeing is actually being considered as theirs, as they’re given a voice in how they’re cared for, boosting physical and emotional wellbeing. |
Negative
The dependant may think they then have a voice in every decision, whereas some things are for the professional carer to decide for them, such as medication the dependant doesn’t know anything about. |
Permissive/indulgent
Parents/carers who indulge (give in and spoil) their children/dependants in a way similar to buying love and being excessively lenient.
Positive
The child will be given anything they need or want, making it easier for the parent to feel loved by their children or for the child to feel loved by their parents, promoting emotional wellbeing. |
Negative
The child will not, or most likely will not, develop any skills they need to succeed later in life such as self-management, saving money, not over-indulging themselves and so on which may be detrimental to social or physical wellbeing. |
Negligent
Severely lacking in a necessary item of living such as clothing, shelter, food or safety that results in the decline of the child/dependant’s wellbeing.
Positive
Parents who neglect their child in some way are, in a very negative way, teaching their children to be more independent and authoritarian over their own life, which can be a boost to social and physical wellbeing once they’ve learnt how to do this. |
Negative
Children who are neglected will feel insignificant and worthless, like they don’t matter, which would cause poor physical, emotional and social wellbeing. |
Rights and Responsibilities in Parenting and Caring
Legal rights of parents, carers and dependants
Rights of Parents (DEALM)
- Discipline the child through responsible means - Ensure access to education - Consent to the child’s adoption - Take Legal Proceedings on behalf of their child - Take control in major Medical Decisions |
Rights of Carers
- Be recognised or acknowledged in their role - Receive financial assistance for their service - Up to 63 days of respite per year - Be covered by the Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Carers Responsibilities) Act 2000 - Request flexible work arrangements and carers leave under the Fair Work Act 2009 - Act as their dependant’s advocate when required - Access support through the National Carer Counselling Program |
Rights of Children
- Autonomy of Children – right to make their own decisions - Medical treatment – Children over 14 can make their own medical decisions - Inheritance – Have no right to their parents’ money or property after their death, but are entitled to claim it legally under family law provisions - Non-discrimination against children - Actions regarding children are in the child’s best interests - All children have the right to live, survival and development - Children have the right to have their views expressed and heard |
Rights of Dependants
- Participate in decisions that affect their life - Adequate care, compassions and understanding - Dignity, by way of the carer supporting hygienic needs - Be protected from neglect and abuse - Be a part of the community - Receive help, such as medical support, spiritual comfort and access to relevant supports |
Impact of Legal Rights on Wellbeing
HEALTH AND MEDICAL
It is the legal right of a parent to attend to the child’s medical treatment
It is the legal right of a carer to act as an advocate for the dependant when required
It is the legal right of children to make their own medical decisions (over the age of 14)
It is the right of a dependant to be able to participate in decisions that affect their life
It is the legal right of a parent to attend to the child’s medical treatment
It is the legal right of a carer to act as an advocate for the dependant when required
It is the legal right of children to make their own medical decisions (over the age of 14)
It is the right of a dependant to be able to participate in decisions that affect their life
Impact on Parent’s Wellbeing
Positive: - Physical wellbeing by reducing stress as they can access treatment - Emotional wellbeing by knowing they can access the best treatment to help their child Negative: - Economic as they need to spend money on appointments, treatments and driving costs - Physical if the parent becomes sick from catching the child’s illness Impact on Carer’s Wellbeing Positive: - Emotional knowing they are helping their dependants improve their health via their assistance - Educational as, while learning what is going on with the dependant and their needs, you learn about it Negative: - Physical as they may become stressed and frustrated when the solution to a problem they’re advocating against is not easy to come by - Social as the time involved in being an advocate may take them away from their families for a long period of time |
Impact on Children’s Wellbeing
Positive: - Physical wellbeing as they’re able to be proactive about their health - Emotional as they feel they’re being heard and have a voice in their own life Negative: - Emotional in regards to the pressure or stress involved in making the bigger health decisions - Economic as, while you have the right but if you are unable to pay for treatment or medication, you cannot utilize the right Impact on Dependant’s Wellbeing Positive: - Emotional as they are able to make decisions for themselves, with an advisor nearby if needed - Physical as they can make the decision to improve their own health without someone else deciding for them Negative: - Physical as their decision could lead to the further deterioration of their health - Education as if a dependant wants to go to a school with a poor special needs program they will be unable to learn properly and will be behind the other students. |
EDUCATION AND SCHOOLING
It is the legal right of a parent to ensure the child has access to education
It is the legal right of a carer to access support through the National Carer Counselling Program
It is the legal right of a child to receive free education
It is the right of a dependant be able to pursue a grievance and use an advocate to communicate on their behalf if needed
It is the legal right of a parent to ensure the child has access to education
It is the legal right of a carer to access support through the National Carer Counselling Program
It is the legal right of a child to receive free education
It is the right of a dependant be able to pursue a grievance and use an advocate to communicate on their behalf if needed
Impact on Parent’s Wellbeing
Positive: - Spiritual if they send their child to a school that supports the spiritual upbringing they have for their children - Emotional as they can watch their children grow and learn and find their passions through the education system Negative: - Economic if they want to send their child to a school that costs more than they can afford it can cause financial difficulties - Emotional as the parent may have to experience problems their children face in regards to learning difficulties or their child simply not coping with the work required of them Impact on Carer’s Wellbeing Positive: - Emotional as they can talk about any problems they may be facing with their dependants and seek advice to better cope with their position - Economic as this service is free of charge and therefore gives them a coping and assistance strategy that will not impact upon their already tight budget Negative: - Economic having to drive to the site, use the phone, utilize internet services and a computer may be something outside the carer’s financial limits - Physical as the stress from the job and the limitations of the service may not be adequate. |
Impact on Children’s Wellbeing
Positive: - Economic they don’t have to worry about family finance or lack of funds to continue the education - Social they are able to attend school and meet new people, make friends and learn through social interaction with their peers Negative: - Emotional/Social as they could have a negative experience in their education with a learning difficulty or problems with the other people around them - Physical as some children with certain conditions find it difficult to keep up with the physical challenge of being able to go to school and being involved in sporting events etc. Impact on Dependant’s Wellbeing Positive: - Emotional as they know they have the right to change things they are not comfortable with - Cultural as the problem in question may be related to the blatant disrespect for the dependant’s cultural beliefs or values Negative: - Economic as pursuing a grievance can lead to legal action, which costs money |
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
- Carers have a legal right to receive financial assistance as many of them are unable to work through Centrelink, Family And Community Services (FACS) provides carers with a Carer’s Payment and Carer’s Allowance that can assist the person to meet their economic needs.
- Children have a right to receive free education.
- A dependant has the right to be protected by the Age Discrimination Act 2004 regarding discrimination in areas of employment, education, accommodation, and the provision of goods and services
- Carers have a legal right to receive financial assistance as many of them are unable to work through Centrelink, Family And Community Services (FACS) provides carers with a Carer’s Payment and Carer’s Allowance that can assist the person to meet their economic needs.
- Children have a right to receive free education.
- A dependant has the right to be protected by the Age Discrimination Act 2004 regarding discrimination in areas of employment, education, accommodation, and the provision of goods and services
Impact on Parent’s Wellbeing
Positive: - Emotional as, if they are receiving financial assistance to care for their child, they know they have some resources to do so - Physical as any financial assistance received will lead to an improvement in nutrition from the purchasing of groceries Negative: - Social as the need for assistance means they will need to reorganise their budget to cut many social activities from the schedule Impact on Carer’s Wellbeing Positive: - Economic as they are able to support themselves while still performing their caring duties - Emotional as they are able to access these services through their own roles not only for their financial assistance but for anything else e.g. educational resources they need Negative: - Physical as the payment they receive may only allow for the basic cover of rent/mortgage/minimal staple foods and bills and little else to sustain nutrition - Social as the lack of finance available may require them to take up a second paying job during any of their free time |
Impact on Children’s Wellbeing
Positive: - Social as they are able to attend a school and grow and learn around other children their own age - Physical as receiving an education through a school also comes with a sporting requirement and a class that entails health information to improve their own lives Negative: - Emotional as, being entitled to free education though their family is not well off may attract unwanted negative behaviour from peers - Spiritual as the education they have access to may not be supportive of their religious beliefs or background Impact on Dependant’s Wellbeing Positive: - Economic as they are able to obtain a job without the negative stigma attached to several positions of dependency or causes of dependency - Social as they are able to enter the work force and meet new people and make new friends whilst also earning a living to contribute to caring for themselves Negative: - Emotional as some dependants may feel their application acceptance was a handout because employers feel they cannot decline the applicant in fear of being seen as a discriminator |
Responsibilities of parents and carers
Note:
Responsibilities of Parents and Carers = (Don't Stop Dancing)
Duty of care (D)
Setting limits (S)
Discipline (D)
Responsibilities of Parents and Carers = (Don't Stop Dancing)
Duty of care (D)
Setting limits (S)
Discipline (D)
Duty of care
Parents
How does fulfilling responsibilities as a parent contribute to building a positive relationship with the dependant? - Fulfilling the duty of care required from parents allows the child to grow and develop so they will eventually reach the stage where they realise and appreciate everything their parents do for them, leading to the child wanting their parents in their lives. How does neglecting responsibilities as a parent contribute to building a negative relationship with the dependant? - Not fulfilling a duty of care could lead to physical, social and emotional malnourishment which, once they’re able to care for themselves, may make them feel as though they do not want to be in their parent’s lives. |
Carers
How does fulfilling responsibilities as a carer contribute to building a positive relationship with the dependant? - If a sporting coach is fulfilling a duty of care by tending to a sporting injury and then going above and beyond a doctor recommendation and giving them time off and then a slow reintroduction to training, the player will feel more cared for rather than just another player in the club How does neglecting responsibilities as a carer contribute to building a negative relationship with the dependant? - A babysitter who doesn’t feed their dependant at mealtimes or at all will make the child not want to use that babysitter any more, and will possibly make them play up if they do end up with them again |
Setting limits
Parents
How does fulfilling responsibilities as a parent contribute to building a positive relationship with the dependant? - Setting limits with children show them that their parents are allowing them to do something, to an extent, which develops a respecting bond How does neglecting responsibilities as a parent contribute to building a negative relationship with the dependant? - If limits are not set then children can get hurt from something they do such as going out late and getting into a fight, which may lead to the child resenting the parent for letting them be out so late and getting hurt |
Carers
How does fulfilling responsibilities as a carer contribute to building a positive relationship with the dependant? - A doctor who sets limits for their patient who is unable to do some things from an injury allows for the patient to feel a sense of gratitude towards the doctor and will make further treatment easier/less awkward How does neglecting responsibilities as a carer contribute to building a negative relationship with the dependant? - If a sporting coach doesn’t set limits for their players, such as don’t stress your muscles with too much exercise or don’t play in the sun for more than a couple hours without a lot of water and cover, the player may injure themselves or become sick, which may lead to them resenting their coaches non-advisory methods |
Discipline
Parents
How does fulfilling responsibilities as a parent contribute to building a positive relationship with the dependant? - Disciplining children shows them that their parents have their best interests, not their gluttonous desires, in mind and are only trying to teach them how to behave properly How does neglecting responsibilities as a parent contribute to building a negative relationship with the dependant? - Without discipline the child can get into all sorts of problems outside of the home which could land them in trouble with the law, where the parent may then get in an argument with their parent about how much trouble they are for them and how much they paid to get them out, causing a feeling of resent and general uneasiness. |
Carers
How does fulfilling responsibilities as a carer contribute to building a positive relationship with the dependant? - A day care worker who disciplines a child for hitting another child teaches them that it is something you cannot do and when the child is no longer punished for misbehaving as such they will be able to feel more comfortable and loved with the teacher How does neglecting responsibilities as a carer contribute to building a negative relationship with the dependant? - A teacher who doesn’t set consequences for not doing work shows the student they have no interest in their work or if they do well at school or not, making them feel bad and blaming the teacher for this feeling. |