Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Family, Life Course, and Society Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Keyword
-
- Family life (18)
- Home life (10)
- Marriage (8)
- Parenting (8)
- Family strengths (6)
-
- Love at home (5)
- Teaching children (4)
- Family time (3)
- Marriage preparation (3)
- Strengthening marriage (3)
- Adoption (2)
- Baby (2)
- Behavior in the home (2)
- Childhood behavior (2)
- Chronic illness (2)
- Communication in the home (2)
- Dealing with depression (2)
- Depression (2)
- Divorce (2)
- Grandparents (2)
- Infant (2)
- Parental behavior (2)
- Parental responsibility (2)
- Parents (2)
- Sibling rivalry (2)
- Step-family (2)
- Stepfamily (2)
- Two family household (2)
- Why marriage (2)
- Abortion (1)
Articles 1 - 30 of 111
Full-Text Articles in Family, Life Course, and Society
Recognizing Stepfamily Myths, Stephen F. Duncan
Recognizing Stepfamily Myths, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
A stepfamily is defined as a household in which there are two adults in a committed couple relationship and where at least one of them has a child or children from a previous relationship. There are an estimated 9,100 new American stepfamilies created each week. Fifty percent of all Americans have a step connection. Thus if you live or have lived in a stepfamily, you have a lot of company! Like all families, stepfamilies have challenges as well as strengths. For stepfamilies to become strong, it's important that they are aware of some of the common challenges they face and …
Developing Your Own Unique Family Style, Stephen F. Duncan
Developing Your Own Unique Family Style, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
Stepfamilies are structurally different from first-marriage families. New relationships, new roles, and new traditions need to be developed. In the process of developing a unique family style, stepfamilies may need to face and overcome certain obstacles. This article discusses some of the major obstacles to a new family identity and ways to deal with them. These obstacles include a belief in myths about stepfamilies, holding unrealistic expectations, having few established guidelines about stepfamily living, mourning losses and making adjustments, and divided loyalties.
Parenting Young Children With Behavior Problems, Mckenzie Young, Stephen F. Duncan
Parenting Young Children With Behavior Problems, Mckenzie Young, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
Some children present special parenting challenges. We often label them "difficult" or "disobedient" or even "bad." These children don't intend to try their parents but rather are born with a challenging temperament.
Sibling Rivalry: Help For Parents, Jeremy Boyle, Stephen F. Duncan
Sibling Rivalry: Help For Parents, Jeremy Boyle, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
If you already have a child or children, when a new baby arrives so does the potential for sibling rivalry. As a parent, you can help minimize sibling rivalries by preparing before you bring the child home, by understanding the roots of sibling rivalry, and by helping your children learn conflict resolution skills.
Being Loving And Nurturing, Megan Northrup, Stephen F. Duncan
Being Loving And Nurturing, Megan Northrup, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
Urie Bronfenbrenner, a renowned expert on child development, says every child needs parents who are crazy about him or her-an "irrational relationship." Children are wired to "fall in love" with their parents, and they deserve parents who fall in love back.
Dealing With Infertility And Childlessness, Jeremy Boyle, Stephen F. Duncan
Dealing With Infertility And Childlessness, Jeremy Boyle, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
One in every six couples will never be able to conceive a child. This can be a very painful realization for a couple who has dreamed of having offspring. The Family: A Proclamation to the World says, "We declare that God's commandment for his children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force."
Why Infants Cry And How To Respond, Amberly Stevens, Chris Porter, Stephen F. Duncan
Why Infants Cry And How To Respond, Amberly Stevens, Chris Porter, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
It’s 3:00 in the morning. For the past few weeks you’ve only gotten 2-3 hours of sleep at a time and you are exhausted. Your newborn baby won’t stop crying. You feel like you’ve tried everything to get her to stop and you don’t know what else to do. You can’t help but ask in frustration, “Why are you crying?” You are not alone in asking this question. For many years, parents and researchers alike have tried to answer the question “why do babies cry?” and the more important question, “what can I do about it?” This article will try …
Teaching Children Self-Regulation, Megan Northrup, Stephen F. Duncan
Teaching Children Self-Regulation, Megan Northrup, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
One of parents' most important responsibilities is helping children learn to govern themselves. According to experts, the best parenting combines firm expectations and reasonable freedom for children to make their own choices. When parents provide a good balance between rules and freedom, children learn to act responsibly of their own free will, even when parents aren't around.
Teaching Children Democratic Citizenship, Sarah A. Smith, Stephen F. Duncan
Teaching Children Democratic Citizenship, Sarah A. Smith, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
Citizenship is simply legal status in a country, but democratic citizenship involves much more. It demands becoming informed about issues that affect you and participating with others in determining how society will resolve those issues (p. 12).8
Parents As The First And Foremost Teachers, Megan Northrup, Craig H. Hart, Stephen F. Duncan
Parents As The First And Foremost Teachers, Megan Northrup, Craig H. Hart, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
The Family: A Proclamation to the World states that "parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness" (¶ 6). Many of today's scholars support this statement. Family science and child development researchers everywhere are emphatic that good parenting is vital. From the earliest preschool years, the way parents teach and rear their children is critical to their children's development throughout life.
Keeping Tabs On Teens, Stephen F. Duncan
Keeping Tabs On Teens, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
Raising teens in today's world can be a daunting challenge. They're vulnerable to dangers that lurk around many corners, whether the corner is at home or miles away.
The Worth Of The Human Soul, Jennifer Crockett, Stephen F. Duncan
The Worth Of The Human Soul, Jennifer Crockett, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
Every man, woman, and child is the literal offspring of God. Knowing and understanding this truth affects the way we live, the way we treat others, and the way we see the world around us. It is an essential part of understanding the worth of each human soul, including our own. This truth is one of the main focuses in The Family: A Proclamation to the World.
The Art Of Emotion Coaching, April Steed, Stephen F. Duncan
The Art Of Emotion Coaching, April Steed, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
During the last few decades, researchers have increasingly come to understand how important it is to understand our emotions and handle them in a healthy way. The term "emotional intelligence," introduced by Daniel Goleman in a book by the same name, has become common in both research literature and books written for the general public.2
Teaching Children Money Management Skills, Susan Sheldon, Stephen F. Duncan
Teaching Children Money Management Skills, Susan Sheldon, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
Has your child ever thrown a temper tantrum at the check register when you said no to a candy bar? If so, you are not alone. Most parents have experienced these frustrating moments when they are tempted to indulge their children to keep them happy.
Developing Close Relationships With Our Teens, Stephen F. Duncan
Developing Close Relationships With Our Teens, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
In an era of increased drug use, teenage pregnancy and youth suicide, it's little wonder that most parents are very concerned about their teens. Very often they ask: "How can I protect my teens from these things?" An important key is to develop close, caring relationships with teenagers.
The Sacred Responsibility Of Mothers, Jennifer Crockett, Wendy Woodfield, Sarah Smith, Stephen F. Duncan, Shirley R. Klein
The Sacred Responsibility Of Mothers, Jennifer Crockett, Wendy Woodfield, Sarah Smith, Stephen F. Duncan, Shirley R. Klein
Forever Families
The Family: A Proclamation to the World, states: "Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live."
Wired For Learning: Promoting Infant Brain Development, Kathryn Vaughn, Chris Porter, Stephen F. Duncan
Wired For Learning: Promoting Infant Brain Development, Kathryn Vaughn, Chris Porter, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
Newborns come into the world with sophisticated brains that are phenomenally wired for intellectual growth. During the first year of life, they are more impressionable and able to develop than at any other time in life. This cognitive development affects them for the rest of their lives. Thus parents have a tremendous responsibility and a sacred obligation to nurture their children in love and train them in the Lord's paths.
Guiding Your Children, Megan Northrup, Stephen F. Duncan
Guiding Your Children, Megan Northrup, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
The Family: A Proclamation to the World places the responsibility of guiding children squarely upon parents. Among other things, the Proclamation directs parents to teach their children to love and serve one another, to keep the commandments of God, and to be contributing citizens of the world.
Media And Clothing Market Influence On Adolescent Girls: Warnings For Parents, Katie Hawkes, Sarah Coyne, Stephen F. Duncan
Media And Clothing Market Influence On Adolescent Girls: Warnings For Parents, Katie Hawkes, Sarah Coyne, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
As young girls seek to assert their own identities, they are inclined to look to women they admire in pursuit of lifestyles to mimic. Confronted with ambiguous age boundaries and bombarded with popular cultural icons, a sexual pandemic is spreading as fashions trickle down into their closets and cultures (Cook, 2004, p. 210). Fueled by influential media and an overly provocative clothing market, today’s young females are rocketing into adult behaviors at young ages, and multiple risks are along for the ride.
Disciplining With Love, Megan Northrup, Stephen F. Duncan
Disciplining With Love, Megan Northrup, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
The Family: A Proclamation to the World counsels parents to bring up their children in love and righteousness. Among the greatest challenges parents face is persuading children to comply and treating them with loving direction when they don't.
Working Successfully Across Households, Stephen F. Duncan
Working Successfully Across Households, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
A common outcome of divorce involving children is some form of shared custody that allows children contact and co-residence with their biological parents at alternating times. Current research suggests that regardless of residence, children benefit when they have stable, loving relationships with both parents. This is the ideal for children and should be pursued, unless one parent has problems that place the child in danger. Shared custody arrangements are best for children when all parties agree and parents are willing to work hard, sacrifice, and cooperate.
Discovering And Building Stepfamily Strengths, Stephen F. Duncan
Discovering And Building Stepfamily Strengths, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
Strong stepfamilies don't just happen. It takes time and effort to build and maintain a strong stepfamily. Members of stepfamilies must be committed and determined to make it so.
Relational Bullying, Stephanie Deverich, David A. Nelson, Stephen F. Duncan
Relational Bullying, Stephanie Deverich, David A. Nelson, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
Childhood bullying is often noticed when physical signs, like bruises and cuts, are present. Although we generally can see the signs of physical bullying, there are other harmful forms of bullying that occur in childhood circles. An even more painful type of bullying is one that hurts a child on the inside. This relational bullying is a hidden type of aggression ( or hostile behavior) where peers harm "others through purposeful manipulation and damaging of their peer relationship"1 (1995).
Teaching Your Child Empathy, Kaitlin M. Miller, Laura M. Padilla-Walker, Stephen F. Duncan
Teaching Your Child Empathy, Kaitlin M. Miller, Laura M. Padilla-Walker, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
Can you remember a time when you heard a baby cry, and suddenly a lot of other babies started crying? You may not have known it, but that was empathy.
Listening To Children With Head And Heart, Stephen F. Duncan
Listening To Children With Head And Heart, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
Many sounds in our world compete for our attention. As parents, life can become so hectic that we fail to truly listen to others, especially those closest to us--such as our children. The words of an anonymous author teach a profound lesson about listening:
Developing A Solid Marriage, Stephen F. Duncan
Developing A Solid Marriage, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
A solid marriage is at the foundation of a successful stepfamily. In a stepfamily, however, bonds between a parent and child have preceded those of the marriage. Consequently, remarried couples need to make a special effort to care for their relationship. There are several things that pose challenges to the development of a successful remarriage.
Combining Two Families And Meeting Everyone's Needs, Stephen F. Duncan
Combining Two Families And Meeting Everyone's Needs, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
Newly remarried John and Mary had two children, each from a prior marriage, making a new stepfamily with four children. While all were expected to get along peacefully, trouble began early. First, teen stepsiblings Jeff and Lora became attracted to each other, which made them feel guilty and confused. The teens also wanted more freedom at the same time that John and Mary wanted more togetherness. Stephen, who was the oldest in his previous family was now the middle child. Joy, who had a certain favorite chore in her family before, was now doing a different, and dreaded one. John …
A Stepparent's Role, Stephen F. Duncan
A Stepparent's Role, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
As a stepparent, you may face difficulty fitting into the new family. Since you may be viewed as an "outsider," you may encounter surprisingly stiff resistance to your inclusion in the family, in the form of unexpectedly powerful and negative feelings such as jealousy and resentment, as well as your own confusion and sense of inadequacy. Your role in the family, especially early on, is ill-defined and you may end up trying out several different roles before finding one that "fits." While this lack of definition can be stressful and confusing, it also gives you the freedom and latitude to …
Parenting Children With Disabilities: Discover The Gift That Is Yours, Christina Jackman, Stephen F. Duncan
Parenting Children With Disabilities: Discover The Gift That Is Yours, Christina Jackman, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
Research about parenting children with disabilities has often focused on the negative aspects, such as family disruption and stress. But many researchers are now saying they've overstated the negatives and overlooked the positives. While families with disabled children do experience challenges, newer studies show that with good support they're as vibrant and healthy as families without disabled children.
Fostering Moral Behavior In Children, Stephen F. Duncan
Fostering Moral Behavior In Children, Stephen F. Duncan
Forever Families
With rising youth violence, increasing peer cruelty, coarsening of language, a declining work ethic, diminished personal and civic responsibility, escalating dishonesty, growing ethical illiteracy, and growing disrespect for parents, teachers, and other legitimate authority figures, one wonders if too little emphasis is placed on morality among the young. According to a number of scholars, the answer is a definitive yes.