Role of Community in Child Rearing

Changing Roles of Family

• According to the "Encyclopedia of Children and Childhood in History and Society: Parenting," historically, large families were important because of high infant mortality and because growing youngsters provided labor for many of the necessary chores. Women's rights, improved medical resources and changing psychological views about childhood shifted the view of children from being the property of their fathers to being future members of society. In 1912, Taft signed into law a bill that created the Children's Bureau, an early forerunner of Title IV and Aid to Dependent Children. Originally passed in 1974 and revised in 2010, CAPTA, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, empowers community authorities to intervene in cases of child abuse and neglect.

It Takes a Village

• Hilary Rodham Clinton popularized the words, "It takes a village to raise a child" in her book, "It Takes a Village," published in 1996. The book's primary theme was that not only do parents have a responsibility toward children, but so do members of the community around them. A dichotomy of opinion arises, however, between a parent's right to raise their children as they believe they should and the degree to which a community should intervene on behalf of the child, which was the sensitive nerve Harris-Perry hit with her statement. In most cases, however, communities focus on supporting the family unit, and strengthening parental ability to be good parents.

Supporting the Family

• The "Keeping Children and Families Safe Act," passed in 2003, identified parent education as a core preventative of child abuse. This idea supports institutions such as Headstart, founded in 1964, to provide lower income children with the same preschool educational opportunities as their better-funded age mates. Parent education is a part of the Headstart program. Parents as Teachers, started in the 1970's, sends instructors to family homes. The program is often affiliated with the local school, and provides educational resources and books to families with preschool children. Local support programs such as "Shop with a Cop" or clubs that assist with buying clothing and school supplies are designed to provide necessities for children.

Environmental and Community Effects on Children

• William Huitt of Valdosta University notes environment and community plays a role in child development. Shops and business institutions that are safe for families, public libraries and good schools are vital parts of providing a pleasant "village" where children can grow. Good infrastructure, such as an honest, supportive police force, well-equipped fire departments and good hospitals are also important. Recreational facilities where parents can feel good about taking their children assist family bonding. Providing families with the tools they need for a healthy life-style is an important role for a community that values children.