Many new parents have no knowledge or first hand experience of child development and are under pressure from conflicting sources of advice on how best to bring up children. During the late 1970s, preparation for parenthood programmes were undertaken by professionals working in different services and using different approaches. This book looks at developments in work carried out in schools, in antenatal preparation and in support for families with young children. It also reports on a conference sponsored jointly by the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Health and Social Security and the National Children's Bureau which sought to answer the question:What action can and should be taken by public authorities, voluntary organisations and others to help raise the standards of parenting in this country?

Many new parents have no knowledge or first hand experience of child development and are under pressure from conflicting sources of advice on how best to bring up children. During the late 1970s, preparation for parenthood programmes were undertaken by professionals working in different services and using different approaches. This book looks at developments in work carried out in schools, in antenatal preparation and in support for families with young children. It also reports on a conference sponsored jointly by the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Health and Social Security and the National Children's Bureau which sought to answer the question:What action can and should be taken by public authorities, voluntary organisations and others to help raise the standards of parenting in this country?