PSY 120 - Psychology of Parenthood

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
Presents an overview of the Psychology of Parenthood, focusing on the parent-child relationship and the crucial role that parents play in the development of children. Included are the various types of parenting in contemporary America, family systems research, child behavior management and interpersonal communication with the family. Current parenting issues such as nutrition, child care, sex education, substance abuse and childhood stress are covered.

Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Survey current research about the parent-child relationship
- Access current parent-child and family systems research articles
- Research information on styles of parenting
- Compile information on current issues in childrearing
Discuss effective styles of dealing with children at each stage in the life cycle
- Describe stage, milestone and critical limits in human development
- Discuss parent-child communications
- Explain familial and parental influences upon child development
Describe operant principles and their application to the management of child behavior
- Explain child behavior management
- Describe operant principles
- Apply operant principles to the management of child behavior
Review critical issues facing children and their parents in American society
- Identify critical issues in today’s society
- Review the impact of these issues on American children and their parents