Community and Family Studies
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Core 3: Parenting and caring
Managing parenting and caring responsibilities
Dealing with change
Becoming a parent is one of the major decisions which people and their partners will make in their lives. The decision to become a parent brings with it many changes to lifestyle and goals. It also may change roles and responsibilities in relationships as well as the dynamics of the relationship itself. In some instances this may lead to conflict and strain in the relationship.
The following activity explores some of the emotional, social and economic changes that may arise in relationships between partners who are becoming parents or carers, or who have become parents or carers.
Student activity
The following changes in relationships may result from becoming a parent or carer. Develop strategies for effectively dealing with these changes, ensuring that the needs of each person, including the child or children are met.
| Emotional, social and economic change | Example of strategy for dealing with this change |
|---|---|
| 1. Less time to spend with partner. | |
| 2. The mother-to-be feels tired and hates the way her body is changing. | |
| 3. Feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of becoming a parent. | |
| 4. Partner or other children are feeling jealous or left out. | |
| 5. Partner is feeling an increased responsibility to look after everyone financially if his or hers is the only income. | |
| 6. Less time to spend with friends. | |
| 7.Less time to meet personal needs and wants, e.g. in social and leisure activities. | |
| 8. The need to regularly manage discipline issues. |
A text only version for printing has been provided to assist you to complete this task.
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