The Transition to Parenthood Essays -- Parenthood Pregnancy Fertilizat

The Transition to ParenthoodSection 1 The showcase studyToday, in western industrialized nations, the decision whether or non to have children is, as Berk (2004) describes it a .matter of exclusive choice (p.460). This contrasts with many non western nations where what Michaels (1988, cited in Berk, 2004) describes childbearing as, an unavoidable cultural demand (p.460).Research on the New Zealand population suggests that couples are having children at a much subsequently phase of life. The median age for a woman to give throw is now 30.3 years, compared with her counterpart in the early 1970s who gave birth at 24.9 years. There is in like manner an increasing amount of individuals foregoing parenthood al unneurotic. Statistics also show a trend towards later marriages and smaller families (www.stats.govt.nzfertility-rates) and couples living together especially in the early stages of the relationships (www.familiescommission.govt.nz).Many factors contribute to the marked alt ernate from early to delayed childbearing. Berk (2005) suggests financial circumstances, personal and religious values and health conditions are influencing factors. While Barber Tangri & Jenkins (cited in Berk, 2004) suggest that women with high-status, demanding careers pass on little often choose parenthood than those with less time consuming positions. other factors may include how the parents feel a new baby will impact on their lives in terms of disrupted sleep, caregiving tasks and the couples relationship. devastate was 36 and Sally 34 when Sally fell pregnant. The preliminary 10 years were spent forming an intimate relationship, travelling, effecting and saving currency for the future. Both focussed through their schooling years, earned high paying(a) jobs and travelled intermittently. Both came from high socio-economic families and aspired to their parents life achievements. beingness able to raise a child without concerns over money was the master(prenominal) mo tivation behind both Harry and Sallys formulate decision to delay childbearing. Financial independence, they felt would be achieved through leting their own property and having money in the bank.Once pregnant Sally suffered from dayspring sickness and her employer encouraged her to take time off when needed to alight and at eight months pregnant Sally finished work, while Harry continued to work evenings and weekends. Harrys long working hours had not ... ...he extended family, the couples workplaces, the support within the community, social services available and the overarching view of a nation at that particular time all work together and ultimately provide a notion of how well the individual and the family unit adjusts.Reference ListBerk, L.E. (2004). Development through the lifespan (3rd ed.). Boston, MA Allyn and Bacon.Families Commission (2005). Lets give a fair go to families. Retrieved April 26, 2005 from the World gigantic Web http//www.familiescommission.govt.nz/me dia/20041222.phpHeath, P. (2005). Parent-child relationship history, theory, research, and context (1st ed.). Upper saddle roof River, NJ PearsonHutchins, T. & Sims, M. (1999). Program planning for infants and toddlers An ecological approach. Australia Prentice Hall.Lefrancois, G.R. (1999). The lifespan (6th ed., pp. 45-48). Belmont, CA Wadsworth Publishing Company. Papalia, D. E., Olds, S. W., & Feldman, R. D. (2001). Human development (8th ed., pp. 501-503). Boson McGraw-Hill.Statistics New Zealand (2005). Fertility rates. Retrieved April 5, 2005 from the World Wide Web http//www.stats.govt.nz/popn-monitor/births/default.htm