Parents have a duty of care to ensure their children’s needs are met. Duty of care is a legal requirement which parents have to provide to their dependent, as society expects that parents must meet the needs of those who are under their care. The welfare of the child is most important and hence parents have legal position as both guardian and custodian to ensure the wellbeing of the dependent is being met. To further encourage parents to fulfil their responsibilities of providing their dependent with duty of care, the government have enacted legislations such as Children (Care and Protection) Act 1987 (NSW) and Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW).
These legislations enable parents to contribute in building a positive relationship with their dependent as under these legislations it prevents a parent from assaulting their dependent whether it is sexual or physical. They must not ill- treat the child or expose the child to behaviour that psychologically harms the child. With these requirements, parents are encouraged to abide by the law and therefore they contribute in building a positive relationship with the dependent as they provide bonding and affection, prioritise time and shows interest towards the dependent and models appropriate behaviour.
By parents bonding and showing affection towards their dependent they contribute in building a positive relationship with the dependent as parents satisfies the dependents specific need of safety and security. For example parents showing love towards their 5 year old dependent makes the dependent believe that their parents love them unconditionally and care for them. Hence the dependent feels safe and secure as they are assured that their parents are always there to protect them, which also satisfy their emotional welling as they feel loved and valued.
By parents prioritising their time and showing interest in their dependent contributes to them building a positive relationship with them as they satisfy their dependents social and cultural wellbeing along with satisfying their specific need of education. For example parents build a positive relationship with their dependent as they interact with their child by teaching them about their culture which helps shape the dependents values and morals to teach them self-discipline and maturity. By spending time with their 5 year old dependent on their educational learning it assures to the dependent that education is an important part of their life, and hence satisfies their need of education.
Parents modelling appropriate behaviour in front of their dependent contribute to building a positive relationship with their dependent as through their action they teach their dependent what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. By parents modelling these appropriate behaviours, they influence their dependent to show respect to them and encourages them to have good manners. These are important qualities in order for parents to build a positive relationship with their dependent, as both the parent and dependent aim for the same goal, which reduces conflict from occurring.
Therefore duty of care is an important responsibility a parent must provide for their dependent as it contributes in building a positive relationship with their dependent as through this responsibility they satisfies their dependents specific needs and well-being.