In the Module, you will learn about ways in which parents “do their jobs” as parents, and differences that may exist in parenting approaches based on demographic characteristics such as ethnicity, social class, and gender. We will also discuss factors that might prevent parents from engaging with their children in ways generally considered to be most beneficial to children. Such factors might include incarceration of parents, unemployment, or poverty. We will briefly discuss a relatively new family configuration, that of the transnational family. These families live across international borders from one another. And finally, we will examine the general well-being of children in the United States.
You will be able to define and describe advantages and disadvantages of various parenting approaches.
You will be able to identify factors that might adversely affect an adult's ability to parent effectively.
You will be able to summarize information about maternal incarceration and its effects on children.
You will be able to define what is unique about many transnational families.
You will be able to explain best practices for teachers interested in supporting transnational children and their families.
You will be able to explain what factors account for differences in child well-being in the U.S. today.