Title: Identify nurturing practices that support human growth and development.
Course: Child Development and Parenting (19255-36)

Identification should include

- the definition of the term nurturing
- needs of children at each stage of growth and development
- family environments and parental behaviors that support the growth and development of children, families, and communities
- affirmations of unconditional love
- actions derived from assertive/supportive or responsive care
- age-appropriate play and parent-child activities
- factors that influence self-esteem
- communication strategies that promote positive self-esteem in children
- the influence of stimulating environments on brain development
- ways a child’s sense of security, ability to trust, personal initiative, and individual identity are influenced by parental relationships
- consequences of punishment on the child/caregiver relationship
- ways to build protective factors (e.g., factors that decrease the potential for a negative outcome from Adverse Childhood Experiences [ACEs]).

Teacher Resources:

- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Risk and Protective Factors, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Risk and Protective Factors Fact Sheet, Penn State University

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- Why is it important to know how to nurture children and adolescents?
- Why do adolescents need as much parental support as younger children?
- How is society affected by the structure and nurturing practices of a family system?
- How has human growth and development been influenced by historical perspectives and theories (e.g., Bandura, Bowlby, Bronfenbrenner, Erikson, Gesell, Kohlberg, Maslow, Piaget, Skinner, Vygotsky)?

Communication

- What messages do most parents want to send to their children?
- What are some physical signs of positive communication between parents and children?
- How is communication between parents and young children similar to communication between parents and adolescents? How is it different?
- How can communication enhance a child’s development?

Leadership

- What problems are parents most likely to encounter with young children? With adolescents?
- How can parents use the problem-solving process with children?
- What conflict resolution skills do parents need to nurture children and adolescents?

Management

- What information do parents need to support children in a particular stage of development?
- What are some reliable sources of information about nurturing children and adolescents?
- How can parents manage to provide quality time for family activities?