PARENTING PRACTICES AND INTERVENTIONS AMONG MARGINALIZED FAMILIES IN APPALACHIA - BUILDING ON FAMILY STRENGTHS

Using an ecological framework, the various contexts for parenting amon g marginalized families in Appalachia are discussed. Appalachian paren ting styles are thought to be functional adaptations to a rural and of ten socioeconomically depressed environment within this geographical r egion. Characteristics of parenting styles, parents themselves, and th eir children are reviewed. Further, attention is paid to how family li fe professionals respond to these characteristics. Finally, suggestion s are made for how professionals may cooperate with parents through th e offering of support, information, and skills that are culturally res ponsive.