Applying Life Skills ©2010

Chapter 12: Understanding Parenting

Chapter Summaries

Having children is a major life decision, and should not be taken lightly. People have children for many reasons, but not all of them are good ones. Parenting is incredibly demanding and comes with many responsibilities. Parenthood often results in lifestyle, financial, and career changes. Teen parents usually lack the money, education, emotional maturity and skills to raise children. The happiest and healthiest children are those born to parents who honestly want and are ready for them.

Parents encourage good behavior by setting good examples, praising children for good behavior, setting clear limits, and giving simple explanations. Effective discipline is immediate and fits the misbehavior. Many communities have resources that can help parents deal with the responsibilities of parenting.