Changing Trends in Childcare

Changing Trends in Childcare

1. Introduction

   • Childcare advice varies over time but also through society and culture.

2. Strict Regimines (50's)

   • Mothers strongly advised to provide strict regimens for babies e.g. feeding every 4 hours and not in between.

3. Post WW2

   • Attitudes change and mothers are encouraged to respond more to the baby's needs instead of following strict routines (Spock). Bulby brought in idea of attachment.

4. Mothers and Careers

   • Attitudes have gone from mothers being expected to stay at home and care for the children to being more accepting of mothers who want to go back to work.
   • Participating Fathers
     • Importance of paternal affection also realised.

5. Sources of advice today

   • Internet, books, magazines etc.
   • Can make a mother feel inadequate

6. Different expectations depending on culture