Perspectives on Families and Parenting in Early Years: A Critical Review of Evidence in Policy and Curriculum Documents

Abstract

This critical review has sought to examine the parental provision in the Turkish policy and early childhood curriculum. It has been vehemently acknowledged by literature and policy documents in overall the world that the role of parents play as principal educators of their children has also been highlighted. Family have significant roles for their children’s development as providing atmosphere during early years. In fact, there has been a volume of studies and policy documents that have put an emphasis on the diversity of parents’ role on children’s development in their early years period. However, there is limited inclusion of approaches to support children’s learning and development practiced by families within educational context. Therefore, this critical review aimed to locate the national and international research and documentary evidence relating to parenthood in the early years sector within wide-ranging search and Turkish policy documents. This review brings to life the theories about the benefits and importance of parenthood implications and issues and will help illustrate how practice can affect children either positively and negatively.