Parenting Council Research Clearinghouse: Library "P"
Pacific Islands Families: First Two Years of Life Study (Design and Methodology)
Authors:
Janis Paterson, Colin Tukuitonga, Max Abbott, Michael Feehan, Phil Silva, Teuila Percival, Sarnia Carter, Esther Cowley-Malcolm, Jim Borrows, Maynard Williams, Philip Schluter
Date:
2006
Published by:
New Zealand Medical Journal
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
Knowledge about the health, psychosocial, and behavioural characteristics of Pacific peoples with young children resident in New Zealand is limited. The Pacific Islands Families: First Two Years of Life (PIF) Study was designed to redress this knowledge gap. This paper describes the design and methodology of the PIF Study.
Ministry of Social Development - Social Policy Journal of New Zealand
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
Broad international comparisons of paid parental leave often leave New Zealand's policies looking less than adequate. This paper compares current policies in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The extent to which either country has been able to implement maternity and parental leave policies has been comparatively limited, but the UK's relationship with the European Union has led to more comprehensive policies than those found in New Zealand. New Zealand will not be forced to comply with a regional or international standard, and it is unclear if there is sufficient momentum for change without such compulsion. However, the UK experience has demonstrated that these types of policies are certainly feasible within the context of the "liberal" welfare state
Parenting and children's resilience in disadvantaged communities
Author:
Peter Seaman, Katrina Turner, Malcolm Hill, Anne Stafford and Moira Walker
Date:
2006
Published by:
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Location:
Britain
Abstract:
There has been relatively little research about the distinctive challenges of bringing up children in disadvantaged areas, nor of children's perspectives on identifying and managing threats. In particular, we know very little about how parents and children promote their children's well-being and safeguard them from day-to-day risks. This research set out to develop understanding of these issues by examining the perspectives of parents and children living in ordinary families in four disadvantaged areas in and around
Glasgow
Ministry of Social Development - Social Policy Journal of New Zealand
Location:
United States
Abstract:
Children with divorced parents, compared with children with two continuously married parents, tend to score lower on a variety of measures of adjustment and wellbeing. Although several mechanisms are responsible for the link between divorce and children’s problems, the most important factor is a deterioration in the quality of parent–child relationships.
Parent's Long Work Hours and the Impact on Family Life
Author:
Lindy Fursman
Date:
2009
Published by:
Ministry of Social Development - Social Policy Journal of New Zealand
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
This article reports on findings from a multi-method study on long working hours and their impact on family life. It draws on data from the New Zealand 2006 Census, a review of the literature, and a small qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with 17 families with dependent children in which at least one partner was working long hours. The study found that parents' working hours were driven by the requirements of their jobs, income, and the cultures of their workplaces, as well as the satisfaction work provided. Many parents felt unable to reduce their hours, despite believing that their hours had a variety of negative impacts on family life. A number of factors mediated the impact of long hours of work, including the availability of extended family for childcare and support; having flexible work arrangements and control over hours of work (including both the number of hours and when hours were worked); and how satisfied spouses were with both the number of hours of paid work and the impact of these hours on the availability of the long-hours worker to spend time with children and to do a share of the household chores. The article concludes by noting that long hours are just one factor among many that affect family functioning and wellbeing.
Parent Support and Development Programmes: An Ethnically Targeted Review
Date:
2005
Published by:
State Services Commission
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
Anau Ako Pasifika (AAP), Whanau Toko I Te Ora (WTITO) and Parents as First Teachers (PAFT) form part of a range of parenting support programmes currently funded by Government. Each parenting programme has unique characteristics in terms of focus, curriculum and delivery approach, but they all share the common objective of improving children’s education outcomes, through improving parenting capability and practice, with home visiting as the primary form of delivery. WTITO and PAFT focus on working with children’s caregivers, whereas Anau Ako Pasifika works directly with children as well as their caregivers.
Pathways Through Parental Separation : The experiences of a group of non-resident fathers
Authors:
Philip Chapman and David Mitchell
Date:
2009
Published by:
Families Commission
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
This study, funded by the Families Commission Innovative Practice Fund, analysed discussions with 20 non-resident fathers to find strategies for supporting fathers through the process of separation.
The focus groups revealed that the men were unprepared for the separation process and were unable to find the right support when they most needed it.
The men also identified a need for strategies to create and maintain a changed relationship with their children's mother and to redefine their parental role.
Early in 2003 married and de facto couples with children were interviewed about their experiences, perceptions and expectations as partners and parents. The small-scale study received an unexpectedly high level of interest, with many couples coming forward to take part. The results of the study have since been analysed for what they tell us about partnership and parenting, as well as the relationship between the two. This is a summary of these findings.
Putting the Kids First: Caring for Children after Separation
Authors:
Jeremy Robertson, Jan Pryor and Janine Moss
Date:
2009
Published by:
Ministry of Social Development - Social Policy Journal of New Zealand
Location:
New Zealand
Abstract:
It is likely that the majority of separating couples make their own arrangements for the care of their children after separation. The aim of the Post Separation Parenting study was to explore how couples make these arrangements for the care of their children, without recourse to the Family Court. Using qualitative methods, the researchers interviewed a volunteer sample of 39 parents (including eight couples). Parents were asked how they decided on their current post-separation parenting arrangements and what factors they considered important in influencing the nature of the arrangements. They were also asked about changes in arrangements over time, satisfaction with current arrangements, and parents' need for information on separation. A predominant theme emerging from the interviews was the prioritisation of children's needs and best interests. Both mothers and fathers felt that children's ongoing contact with both parents was in their children's best interests. Couples reported putting aside relationship issues and working to keep these issues separate from ongoing parenting responsibilities. Although research has often focused on conflicted couples, this exploratory study suggests that further study of successful post-separation parenting might help guide parents through this very stressful time.
