In contrast to the traditional and unidirectional views of parenting, this text conveys a dynamic view of parenting whereby children affect parents just as much as parents affect children. At the same time, the book is parent-centered, with an emphasis on such questions as why parents behave the way they do, rather than taking a child-centered approach (e.g., how parents provide a context for development). In doing so, the text reflects a multi-level ecological approach to childrearing. Rather than viewing parenting as monolithic and static (such as embodied in a "parenting style"), a more complex view is articulated. The focus is on processes inherent in parenting (e.g., attachment, child effects, the role of stress) that may contribute to both stability and change in child rearing. Parents' change is recognized-across situations, domain of interaction, children, and time. Although written from a psychological perspective, views from other disciplines - including sociology, criminology, anthropology, and pediatrics - are also discussed where appropriate. Research is presented in a way that is accessible and interesting but also accurate and intellectually rich.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgments PART I: UNDERSTANDING PARENTS AND CHILD REARING 1: INTRODUCTION: FROM BELIEFS TO EVIDENCE Parenting Beliefs Throughout History Sources of Beliefs about Parenting Parenting Research Findings 2: THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ON PARENTING Introduction to Theory Major Theories of Parent-Child Relationships Narrow Theories 3: APPROACHES TO PARENTING RESEARCH Multiple Approaches Comparing Approaches 4: THE CONTROVERSY OF PARENTAL INFLUENCE Historical Evidence About Parental Influence Associations Between Parenting and Children?s Outcomes The Human Behavioral Genetics Challenge A New Perspective on How Parents Matter Trajectories and Development 5: DETERMINANTS OF PARENTING Categories of Determinants Cultural and Distal Determinants Contextual Determinants Stable Characteristics Determinants Situational Determinants Interrelations Among Determinants PART II: PARENTING AND DEVELOPMENT 6: BECOMING A PARENT Deciding to Have a Child Getting Pregnant, Staying Pregnant, and Encountering Problems Labor and Childbirth The Preterm Newborn Transitioning to Parenthood Parenting the Newborn The Problem of Infant Mortality Ethical Issues 7: PARENTING: FROM INFANCY THROUGH THE PRESCHOOL YEARS Parenting an Infant Parenting a Toddler Parenting a Preschooler 8: PARENTING: THE MIDDLE-CHILDHOOD YEARS Parents and Within-Family Interactions Parents and External Influences 9: PARENTING: ADOLESCENTS Adolescent Development in the Context of the Home Problems for Adolescents and their Parents How Parents Help Teens Navigate Adolescence PART III: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES 10: PARENTING IN NONTRADITIONAL FAMILIES AND SPECIAL POPULATIONS Nontraditional Families Parenting in Special Populations 11: CULTURAL INFLUENCES ON PARENTING Cultural Diversity Among North American Parents Parenting in Minority Groups Parenting in Different Countries Religion and Parenting 12: CHILD MALTREATMENT: WHEN PARENTING GOES AWRY Child Maltreatment Through History The Four Faces of Maltreatment Maltreatment Across Time and Country Protecting Maltreated Children: Foster Parents 13: SOCIAL POLICY ISSUES The Changing American Family Do the Math: Economic Costs of Family Problems Social Policy Responses Controversial Social Policy Ideas Appendix: Journals That Frequently Publish Studies Pertaining to Parenting Glossary References Author Index Subject Index About the Author