Problem
Background:
Differences in parenting practices and culture can be seen in every early childhood classroom. In my experience though, the most prominent place I saw these differences was in the infant and toddler rooms. Views on breastfeeding and formula feeding, safe sleep practices, self-feeding and introduction of solid foods, were all hot topics that sometimes saw conflicting views by parents and/or teachers.
As educators we are required to follow licensing rules and regulations for many of these topics (i.e. safe sleep). Conversations around these topics are still going to happen though, and simply saying "it's what we're required to do" isn't going to help you build a relationship with a parent. So how do we navigate situations with families who may hold different views than we or our centers hold?
This topic may bring up some strong opinions. Remember to be respectful of each other's differing viewpoints. We're not here to debate co-sleeping or any other hot topic that arises. We're here to discuss how we, as professionals, can support our children and families from various cultural backgrounds.
Instructions:
A. Choose one of the parenting practices from Examples of Child Rearing Practices in Different Cultures and imagine that a parent with this viewpoint is in your program. Rename your thread with a title that tells your classmates which example you chose.
a. How might that parenting practice impact the child's behavior or routine in the classroom? Explain both positive or negative possibilities!
b. Do you have any biases that align or conflict with that parenting practice that may influence your perception of the child or family?
B. Read through the recommendations in the article How to Communicate with Parents (specifically Step 3).
a. Related to the example you chose in #1, how can you communicate with the parents to learn more about their culture or parenting practices?
b. How could you and the parent come to a solution that follows rules and regulations, while acknowledging their unique desires/perspectives as parents