MCCCD Program Description

Psychology of Parenting

Course: PSY123

First Term: 2024 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: The study of major psychological theories that pertain to parenting. Includes current research findings to foster effective relationships within modern families. Explores evidence-based practices for parenting individuals from birth through emerging adulthood.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Identify the basic aspects of psychological development of the normal child and adolescent. (I) 2. Describe main ideas in current research regarding the connections between neurological development and parenting, including but not limited to attachment, parent-child relationships, and the ability to regulate emotions. (I) 3. Analyze effective methods of communicating with children, teens, and other family members. (II) 4. Analyze various parenting styles and their effect on the growth, development, and functioning of children and adolescents. (II) 5. Explore how parenting behaviors, practices, and strategies affect the social/emotional development and functioning of children and adolescents. (II) 6. Describe parenting within different types of contemporary families (such as single, divorced, blended, gay/lesbian, immigrant, and military families). (II) 7. Examine possible practices and available resources for parenting children with special needs, which may include consideration of gifted children and children with special needs. (III) 8. Describe the characteristics and strategies for parenting children in routine situations, such as illness, sibling issues, or school problems. (III) 9. Discuss the intersections of parenting and school. (III) 10. Explore the characteristics and strategies for parenting during traumatic events such as major illness, death, divorce, abuse/violence, and disasters. (III) 11. Discuss current social, cultural, and economic issues that impact contemporary families and parenting today. (IV) 12. Reflect about parenting in real-life situations using the theory and practice provided in the course. (I-IV)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Psychological development of the normal child and adolescent A. General stages of development from birth to early adulthood B. Parenting and stages of development C. Attachment II. Foundations of parenting A. Communication B. Parenting styles C. Parenting behaviors, practices, and strategies D. Family systems III. Parenting in context A. Children with special needs B. Routine situations C. School D. Traumatic events IV. Social, cultural, and economic factors in parenting A. Impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on parenting B. Impact of societal inequities on parenting C. Diversity as protective factor in parenting

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 27, 2024

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.