Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

4-25-2025

Keywords

autonomy, child development, emotional development, parenting, siblings, social development

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology

Abstract

Parenting is the process of supporting the development of a child from infancy through adulthood. This support encompasses not only the child’s physical development, but his or her social, emotional, and financial development as well. Although children are most often raised by their biological parents, parenting refers to a process that is separate from its biological definition. Thus, siblings, grandparents, and legal guardians may also parent. For example, in the Kipsigis community of Kenya, after a child reaches the age of two it is common practice for older siblings to take on the role of parent while the mother is away working or running errands. In contrast, western societies such as the United States often reserve this role for a designated adult who may or may not be related to the child.

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