Developing Caring Relationships among Parents, Children, Schools, and Communities

"This text provides a fresh look at an important topic—teachers and families working collaboratively. A strong blend of research and practical application is presented." —Beth Nason Quick, Tennessee State University "I was captivated by an innovative and a gentle, humanistic approach to viewing families and working with parents in parenting education." —Gloria Wenze, University of Scranton "A synthesis of theory, research, and practice couched in a very readable text... a provocative examination of teacher and parent relationships that holds the promise of a better future for the next generation of educators and parents. This book should fan the flames of professional reflection and professional practice." —William McInerney, University of Toledo Developing Caring Relationships Among Parents, Children, Schools, and Communities looks at parent-professional-child relations very differently than other books in this area. Author Dana McDermott focuses on parents and teachers as adult learners who should be growing and learning along with the children in their care. Accessibly written, the book synthesizes the latest theories and research on parent-and adult-child relations and on adult learning and development, focusing on a dynamic process rather than a static role and, on all the social-contextual factors affecting parents, teachers, and children. Key Features Focuses on parents and teachers as adult learners: This will supplement traditional books on family involvement or parent child relations which rarely drill down to understand parents as anything more than a conduit to a child′s development. Emphasizes the dynamic process of parenting and teaching: The author provides a useful tool, or a caring decision-making process, for parents, children, and professionals to think through any issues they face so that everyone′s needs are considered in any interaction. Provides a theory to practice model to support parents, families, and teachers: This book lays out a theory