Parenting Lecture

Parenting is a core class for 1st-5th years, and is then an optional class for 6th-7th years. It revolves around the study of how to bring up a child, including the practical elements of care and later the theoretical side, as well as a number of magical aides which can help with this. The course has a significant practical element throughout, and written work is mainly in support of this.

First Year:
Introduction to basic principles of parenting; consideration of necessary traits in good parents. The responsibilities of parents from a moral perspective are discussed.

Second Year:
A larger practical element is introduced, and the course focuses on the care of babies in this year. Necessary skills are taught and refined such as feeding, changing and bathing a baby.

Third Year:
This year, the focus is on the care of toddlers and young children, and takes a more theoretical approach. The processes of maturing and growing up between the ages of 1-3 are discussed, as well as the educational process, e.g. teaching basic words and phrases.

Fourth Year:
Again, a more practical approach is taken, and students work with younger students in the school to develop an understanding of parenting in older children and young teenagers. Puberty and change are topics for this year, as well as emotional conflict and the importance of communication between parent and child.

Fifth Year:
In the fifth year of the course, students have the opportunity to work on an extended project. They are each issued with a magical facsimile of a baby and are judged on the quality of their care for the child.

Sixth Year:
Students will learn about the benefits of parenting, as well as the risks and downsides, with particular emphasis on teen pregnancy. The process of pregnancy is a focus this year, with students learning about the different stages and what to expect.

Seventh Year:
Growth percentiles and other matters relating to child health are discussed. The importance of cooperation in parenting is stressed; students are required to work in pairs across a number of lessons to deal with children of different ages. Processes such as weaning and potty training are covered, and students have the opportunity to work with a number of real children through the latter stage.