The Ecology of Childhood

Table of Contents

1. The ecology of childhood
   1. Contexts for childhood
      1. Family
      2. Early childhood settings
      3. Neighbourhood and community
      4. Culture
2. Research related to the ecology of childhood
   1. Families/parenting
      1. Parenting matters
   2. The effects of physical punishment
   3. Evidence-based positive parenting practices
   2. Early childhood programs
      1. Toronto first duty
      2. The effects of child care
   3. Examples of interventions with vulnerable children
      1. The Bucharest project
      2. The Abecedarian project
      3. Combining nutrition with stimulation
      4. Recent findings re: child maltreatment
   4. Socio-political perspectives on the ecology of childhood
3. Optimizing contexts for childhood
   1. For children
   2. For families
4. References

2.1.C. Evidence-based positive parenting practices

The following reading discusses the influence of parenting styles on child development and ways to support parents.

Read >> Parenting Styles, behaviour and skills and their impact on young children.

The Australian Parenting Information Project has reviewed research about parenting information that would make the biggest difference for parents and their children (Family and Community Services, 2004). The project is identifying strategies for communicating with and supporting parents.

The Project will:

1. Develop the evidence base around early childhood and positive parenting, including investigating what parents want to know about parenting and when and how they would prefer to receive this information, and
2. Develop and test products and/or approaches to support parents in their important role.
   Find out more about the Parenting Information Project.

Explore >> Early Childhood Initiatives – Parenting Information Project

Invest in Kids (2007) has reviewed research studies about how best to support parenting and optimal early childhood environments. It draws on the work of scientists who are studying the role of parents in mediating the gene-environment interaction of early child development.

Explore >> Invest in Kids Positive Parenting