ENHANCING THE DIMENSIONS OF FAMILY SOCIAL CLIMATE FOR THE WELLBEING OF THE NIGERIAN CHILD

Abstract

This paper focused on the family social climate as an important aspect of the
psychosocial wellbeing of the child. It involves the shared perceptions and
relationships that exist in the family. The goal is to enhance the dimensions of
the family social climate for the well being of the Nigerian child. These
dimensions are of two major categories: demandingness and responsiveness
through which four parenting styles were identified. Researchers have
established links between the psycho-social wellbeing of the child and family
social climate. These include better psycho-social development, higher
emotional wellbeing and better behavioral adjustment. A framework for
enhancing the dimensions of family social climate was discussed by identifying
the goal, the strategic direction, critical success factors (CSF) core processes,
key target effective monitoring and effective feedback. The paper concluded
that children who are fully supported and parents degree of involvement are
likely to have a better psycho social well being, especially the authoritarive
parenting style. Parents should involve their children in decision making and
communicate positively, and children should be given conducive social
climate in the family so that they can develop positive psychosocial,
emotional, self-esteem, social competence and better behavioural adjustments
are among the recommendations.