PARENTING ACROSS THE LIFESPAN

Pregnancy and prenatal parenting During pregnancy the unborn child is affected by many decisions his or her parents make, particularly choices linked to their lifestyle. The health and diet decisions of the mother can have either a positive or negative impact on the child.
Many people believe that parenting begins with birth, but the mother begins raising and nurturing a child well before birth. Scientific evidence indicates that from the fifth month on, the unborn baby is able to hear sound, is aware of motion, and possibly exhibits short-term memory. There is evidence that the unborn baby can become familiar with his or her parents' voices. Research has also indicated that by the seventh month, external schedule cues influence the unborn baby's sleep habits.

Infants

Being the parent of an infant is a major responsibility. Infants require continuous care, including (but not limited to) feeding, bathing, changing diapers, and health care.
At this stage of life, the child is in the position to receive from their caregiver; they are helpless without the loving concern of adults. Infants, especially, need to receive unconditional love from their parents.

Preschoolers

Parenting responsibilities for preschool age children often include (but are not limited to) feeding, bathing, toilet training, ensuring their safety, and attending to their well being. Parents are expected to make decisions about childcare and preschool education.
At this age, children begin to relate to peers, usually beginning with their siblings. If they have no siblings, parents may find opportunities for them to have interactions with other children with good adult supervision, such as trusted daycare or preschool, play dates with children of neighbors, extended family, or friends. These important relationships with siblings and peers are training for life. Sibling rivalry often arises, and parents are key in maintaining harmony by affirming their love for all their children.

Elementary and Middle school years

Parenting responsibilities during the school years include (but are not limited to) feeding, assisting with education, ensuring their safety and wellness, and providing them with a loving and nurturing home environment. In particular educational issues become significant as the child moves from Kindergarten, through Primary education, and Middle school levels of education.
In this age group, peer relationships, whether friendship, rivalry, or conflict, become a greater importance to the child. When parents have laid a strong foundation of parental love, and children have responded with filial love, they are better able to develop harmonious relationships with their peers, and to find strength in their family to weather the storms of disappointments and difficulty in less successful social situations.

Adolescents

During adolescence children are beginning to form their own identity and are testing and developing the interpersonal and occupational roles that they will assume as adults. As they navigate high school and begin to enter the world of work, adolescents look to peers and adults outside of the family for guidance and models for how to behave. Nevertheless, parents remain influential in their development. Parents should make efforts to be aware of their adolescent’s activities, provide guidance, direction, and consultation. Adolescence can be a time of high risk for children, where newfound freedoms can result in decisions that drastically open up or close off life opportunities.
A quality relationship between parent and child is a significant determinant of the behavioral health of children.^[8] Daily interactions with parents have been found to significantly reduce the risk of depression, suicide, promiscuity, substance abuse, and school absenteeism.^[9] Teens who feel they have a quality relationship with their parents are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Even children who experience crippling social events can still lead healthy, well balanced lives. Such resilience and restoration of health has been attributed to the presence of an adult who offered personal care and guidance. With that the child’s self esteem and sense of place was reestablished. From there, the child could navigate the world

Young adults

It is becoming more common for young adults to remain in their parent's home longer than in previous generations, and for many to return home after living independently for a period of time. It is important for parents to not see their adult children as "children" but to relate to them as adults, yet at the same time to discuss openly issues such as finances, household chores, appropriate behavior, and so forth. Honest communication and negotiation may be necessary. Especially when there is a supportive environment, young adults are more likely to remain at home or return home. In many cultures of the world, it is quite common for three generations to live together.
During this time, the young person makes career and other choices: They may

attend college or other training, begin a career with significant work-related responsibilities, or enter into a romantic relationship, possibly marriage. The experiences a young person has had in their own family, receiving love from their parents, relating to their siblings, and observing their parents' marital relationship, all play significant roles in determining how a child will relate to his or her own spouse and children.


Adulthood

Parenting does not end when a child leaves home and lives leaves home and independently. A parent is a parent forever, even though eventually roles may be reversed as adult children care for their elderly parents.