Homeless parents of young children confront several barriers to developing effective parenting skills and dispositions. Perhaps the major barrier is that of the negative stereotype that many people use to label them. They also often have not had positive parent role models and in many cases have had to deal with the issues of violence. Parent…

The way in which parents develop perceptions and relationships for functioning in a family leadership role is discussed. Topics addressed include: (1) beginning with selfhood; (2) relating to others; (3) relating to parenting; and (4) relating to vocation. The most extensive discussion is that of relating to others, which explores four…

Discusses the role of caring and inquiry processes in parenting and family functioning and how these processes affect the lives of children. Formulates strategies within a caring inquiry approach that early childhood professionals can use to promote parental competence and confidence in using their personal-social inquiry skills. (JPB)

Reviews the literature documenting the impact of an internal locus of control orientation for efficacious families and describes how support systems can enhance an internal locus of control for parents and children. (BB)

Defines cross-cultural parent performance roles and discusses common goals. Outlines criteria among diverse parenting styles and lists areas of parental functioning for self-image determination status. Provides guidelines for assessing parent cultural competence and names three major tasks for educators in regard to educating parents for…

Ways to approach the evaluation of South Carolina's Parent Education Program are examined. The program's purpose is to improve children's school success by strengthening the family, particularly during the children's first 5 years. Program goals are to: (1) demonstrate effective methods of parent training and support that will enable parents to…

This book provides early childhood educators with perspectives and tools that will enable them to strengthen parents and families during the child's earliest year of development. The 25 chapters are divided into 6 parts or themes. Part one focuses on understanding families as learners from an ecological and empathetic perspective, with the premise…