Article

Japanese Early Childhood Teachers’ Views of Changes in Young Children’s Lifestyles and Relationships with Parents

Author

Fuminori Nakatsubo , Kiyomi Akita, Yoshihiko Enosawa, Yoko N

Information

pp. 87~106 / 2010 Vol.4 No.1

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to enhance early childhood teachers’ In this paper, we transcribe both caretakers of day nurseries and teachers of kindergarten into “teachers”. However strictly speaking, the qualifications of both are different. knowledge in Japan about the lives of young children and parenting, and to consider the problem of early childhood education and care. Using a qualitative descriptive investigation, Study 1 defines the changed behaviors and parenting styles that are recognized by teachers. In Study 2, we used questionnaire items based on the results of Study 1 to investigate the teachers’ viewpoints about the changes that have taken place in the children’s lives and their views on parent-child relationships. From these studies, it is clear that teachers feel that lifestyles of children are undesirable and are caught up in the life rhythm of parents. This creates a dilemma for teachers because this situation is a paradox based on the love of parents for the children. Although teachers must appeal to parents to improve the lifestyles of children, they must also create life rhythm in the school while considering this situation.

Keywords