Family planning as responsible parenthood
The aim of this study was to investigate Indian parents' responsibility with regards to family planning. From the literature study it became clear that the needs of children can only be adequately met by parents in a well planned family. Responsible parents will sensibly plan to only have as many children as they can afford. Parents must be able to meet the physical, psychological, social, moral and spiritual needs of their children. A child needs both parents to create an atmosphere of security that will give him the confidence he needs to give mening to the world. Providing a harmonious and healthy family environment does not rest with only one of the parents, but is the outcome of a shared parenting task and responsible parenthood from both parents. Responsible parenthood entails the acceptance of responsibility for the adequate upbringing of the child. Parents should have no uncertainties as to their responsibilities as parents. They should be fully aware of their role, purpose and task, as well as the possibilities and limitations of their activities concerning the education of their children. The relationship between parent and child must be based on trust, understanding and authority with the specific aim of educating the child. For the purpose of the empirical investigation a self-structured questionnaire was utilized. An analysis was done of 123 questionnaires completed by both parents of Indian families from a randomly selected sample. The data thus obtained was processed and interpreted by means of descriptive statistics. in conclusion a summary was presented and based on the findings of the study the following recommendations were made: Urgent attention should be given to the implementation of programmes which will assist parents in establishing a positive parental attitude towards responsible family planning. Media-based parent education programmes must be introduced to help parents in adequate child rearing.
Parent and child, Family planning, Parenthood
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