LEGISLATIVE POLICIES AND CULTURE ON PARENTING PRACTICES: improving the parent-child relationship in South Africa

Abstract

Parent-child relationships are often described as unique and enduring bonds that take place between a caregiver/parent and their child. Several South African legislative policy documents have been implemented to guide service delivery to families and to strengthen the parent-child relationship in families. This paper aims to critically examine the current frameworks and explore what is required in South Africa in order to improve the parent-child relationship and overall child developmental outcomes. Utilising an ecological perspective, aspects identified as beneficial towards improving the parent-child relationship in South Africa are discussed on a micro-, meso- and macro-level. Cultural influences are considered, and recommendations are provided in order to improve the parent-child relationship in a South African context.

Keywords

• parent
• child relationship
• child development
• early childhood development
• parenting styles
• culture
• ecological systems theory