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Parenting and Child Guidance


Course Description

Application of theory, research, and developmental practice to understand the parent-child relationship from birth through adolescence. Diverse ways in which caregiving can be enacted, measured, and understood, as well as how to evaluate programs and practices aimed at supporting adults, children, and families.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will have additional readings relevant to the course and their programs of study. Graduate students will also give a short series of presentations to the undergraduates. In addition, they are required to develop a research-based program aimed at supporting adults, children and families.


Athena Title

Parenting and Child Guidance


Undergraduate Prerequisite

(HDFS 2100 or HDFS 2100H or HDFS 2100E) and (HDFS 2950-2950L or HDFS 2950E)


Graduate Prerequisite

Permission of department


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall and spring


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

1. To identify, define, and describe the theories, research, and best practices related to parenting and child guidance. 2. To apply knowledge of parent-child relationships to the development of programs and practices aimed at supporting adults, children, and families. 3. To provide opportunities to develop skills in both written and oral presentation. 4. To develop the ability to critically evaluate education programs, research, and beliefs related to caregiving that are propagated by individuals and mass media. 5. To identify the diverse ways in which caregiving can be enacted, measured, and understood. 6. To work effectively as a professional person in human development, family science, and family life education as students work cooperatively with peers and generate course work.


Topical Outline

I. Foundational Concepts a. Historical and Theoretical Perspectives on Parent-Child Relationships b. Family Contextual Factors c. Contexts and Culture of Parent-Child Relationships d. The Transition to Parenthood and Determinants of Parenting II. Evidence-Based Practices: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation a. Infants and Toddlers b. Preschoolers c. School-Aged Children d. Adolescents


Syllabus