Developmental Stages of Parenthood
Erikson pointed out that raising children can serve as an important function of adulthood. Generativity involves helping the next generation, and this can be done through parenthood. Some research has focused on the developmental stages of parenting. In her book, Between Generations: the Six Stages of Parenthood (1981), psychologist Ellen Galinsky described how adults develop through the interaction with their children. She based her theory on interviews with over 200 parents.
Husband and wife become father and mother at the birth of their first baby. This is the beginning of the first stage, the parental image stage, during which the mother and father form their image of themselves as parents. They have a desire to be perfect, but often experience heavy demands that were unexpected.
The nurturing stage occurs during infancy, when attachment occurs and relationships with spouse, infant, and other people are challenged and determined. Often heavy demands are made upon parents at this time, as they establish their roles.
During the authority stage between two and four years of age, adults face questions of their effectiveness as parents. The young child is beginning to develop independence and more demands are made on a parent’s time. Often a second child is born, adding to the stress of the family.
The integrative stage extends from preschool through middle childhood. As children develop more autonomy and social skills, parents are required to set realistic goals, motivate their children, develop effective communication skills, and establish authority.
The fifth stage, the independent teenage stage, is the time that adolescents wrestle with identification, responsibility, and maturity. Parents must provide support for their adolescents, while maintaining authority and responsibly.
Finally, the departure stage occurs when the adolescent leaves home. At this time parents evaluate their past performance and prepare for the future relationship with their offspring.
The important point of Galinsky’s theory is that parenthood develops as the children grow and that the adult’s self-concepts are shaped through interactions with children at each stage. When parents are aware of and can achieve their goals, they will be happy and satisfied. If not, they will be frustrated, stressed, and depressed. Therefore, it is important that people increase their awareness and understanding of the developmental stages of parenthood.