Abstract
M.Ed.
Globally parent education is on the increase. This is due to the realisation that parents play a vital role in the development of their children and children in turn play a vital role in
determining a country's future. Alarming phenomena such as the increase in suicide,
substance abuse, rape, violence, depression, eating disorders and other psychological
problems resulted in the questioning of the appropriateness of current parenting practices.
Urban black parents in South Africa experience increasing pressure. The radical changes
that occur globally in almost all dimensions of life also have an impact on them. The impact of these changes on parents are further intensified by political change, crime, violence, poverty and the challenge to raise children amidst diverse cultures and rival world views.
Parent education can play a preventative and curative role in these circumstances. There is however, a lack of context relevant parent education programmes for these parents. The only available programmes are western ones based on individualistic principles.
This study is premised on the assumption that the meaning of a construct cannot be
transferred to another context without the risk of serious distortion. Therefore the objective of this study was to generate relevant themes that should be included in a parent education programme for urban black parents as well as guidelines for the implementation thereof. A qualitative research design was chosen to gather detailed and specific information from respondents residing in black urban communities. Workbooks completed by teachers who followed a course in parent education were analysed and four focus groups were conducted.
The data thus gathered were analysed, coded and organised into categories and themes.
The first theme that emerged from this analysis was that parents experience a great need for training in general life skills, including knowledge about normal child development, the
expectations of schools from children, and the skills to prepare children sufficiently for
fulfilling these expectations. Other needs identified were knowledge and skills on discipline, communication, conflict resolution, family relations, emotions, sex education and self management.
The second theme that emerged was the important and responsible role of parents as
educators. They emphasised the responsibility of parents in guiding their children with regard to their physical and psychological needs.
The third theme revolved around the conflicting cultural experiences of urban black parents. These conflicts emanated from traditional gender stereotyping as well as from the highly individualistic environment in schools and the workplace that often clash with their cultural historical backgrounds. This cultural mid-position between different cultures, values and world views requires a serious review and evaluation of current parenting practices. This explains the urgent need for parent education expressed by participants in this study.
Based on these finding the study concluded with proposals for parent education programmes