Handbook of Parenting
Volume I: Children and Parenting
📘 About This Book
Despite the fact that most people become parents and everyone who has ever lived has had parents, parenting remains a mystifying subject about which almost everyone has opinions, but about which few people agree. Striking permutations on the theme of parenting are emerging--single parenthood, blended families, lesbian and gay parents, and teen versus fifties first-time moms and dads. Divided into four volumes, the Handbook of Parenting is concerned with different types of parents, basic characteristics of parenting, forces that shape parenting, problems faced by parents, and the practical sides of parenting. Contributors have worked in different ways toward understanding all of these diverse aspects of parenting and look to the most recent research and thinking in the field to shed light on many topics every parent has wondered about. Because development is too subtle, dynamic, and intricate to admit that parental caregiving alone determines the course and outcome of ontogeny, volume 1 concerns how children influence parenting. Volume 2 relates parenting to its biological roots and sets parenting in its ecological framework. Volume 3 distinguishes among the cast of characters responsible for parenting and is revealing of the psychological make-ups and social interests of those individuals. Volume 4 describes problems of parenting as well as the promotion of positive parenting practices. Written to be read and absorbed in a single sitting, each chapter addresses a different but central topic in parenting, and is rooted in current thinking and theory as well as classic and modern research on that topic. All chapters follow a standard organization including an introduction to the chapter as a whole followed by historical considerations of the topic, a discussion of central issues and theory, a review of classic and modern research, forecasts of future directions for theory and research, and a conclusion. In addition to considering their own convictions and research, the chapter contributors present and broadly interpret all major points of view and central lines of inquiry.
📖 Summary
The Handbook of Parenting, edited by Marc H. Bornstein and published in 2005 across 584 pages, offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted world of raising children. Despite the universality of the human experience with parents and children, parenting remains a deeply mystifying subject marked by widespread opinions and little consensus. In an era where striking permutations of the traditional family structure are rapidly emerging, including single parenthood, blended families, lesbian and gay parents, and a wide demographic range of first-time moms and dads from their teens into their fifties, understanding the dynamics of child-rearing has never been more vital. Divided into four comprehensive volumes, this monumental work delves into the different types of parents, the fundamental characteristics of parenting, the powerful forces that shape parenting practices, the unique problems faced by mothers and fathers, and the practical, everyday sides of parenting. The contributors to this extensive volume have approached the subject from diverse angles, utilizing the most recent research and contemporary thinking in the field to shed light on how parents influence their children and how children, in turn, affect their parents. By examining the biological, social, cultural, and psychological dimensions of raising the next generation, the handbook bridges the gap between empirical science and practical application. Readers are invited to look beyond simplistic advice and explore the rich complexities of family life, gaining a deeper appreciation for the myriad ways adults nurture, guide, and support children through their developmental years. Whether addressing the challenges inherent in modern family configurations or analyzing the core traits that define effective caregiving, the book serves as an exhaustive resource for anyone seeking a deeper, research-grounded understanding of the art and science of parenting.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Extensive and comprehensive coverage of parenting topics across multiple volumes.
Incorporates the most recent research and thinking in the field of child-rearing.
Addresses contemporary and diverse family structures like single and blended families.
Balances theoretical concepts with practical parenting challenges.
⚠️ Cons
The vast amount of information and academic focus might be overwhelming for casual readers.
Originally published in 2005, meaning some research paradigms may reflect that specific era.
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of the Handbook of Parenting? +
The book was edited by Marc H. Bornstein.
When was the Handbook of Parenting published? +
It was published in the year 2005.
How many pages long is the book? +
The book spans 584 pages.
What topics are covered in the volumes? +
The book covers different types of parents, basic characteristics of parenting, shaping forces, problems faced by parents, and practical sides of parenting.
What genre does this book belong to? +
The book falls under the education genre.
