1 - Professional Issues in Parent Education

Abstract

This chapter discusses professional issues in parent education. Two important contributions to the contemporary interest in parenting education are the national, federally subsidized movement to educate preschoolers and their families, known as head start, and the parent effectiveness training program (PET). The recognition of the magnitude of drug use by children and youth, adolescent suicide rates, and the generally precocious development of many children have created a need in many parents to obtain information, support, and more effective parenting skills. The proliferation of parenting education programs has raised a number of important questions for the involved professionals. There has been a confluence of applied, academic, and commercial interests. A rather varied group of persons have staked out claims to the parenting field and the issues that have arisen range from ethical problems to concerns with the knowledge base of programs. Professional parent educators concerned with disseminating information and skills need to remain cognizant of the many professional issues that exist. The future is a positive one in many respects because of the growing attention to the area, the development and dissemination of progressively more sophisticated programs, and the increasing involvement of professionals from diversified backgrounds.