摘要：Parents create visions of a perfect childhood for their children. At the same time, parenthood is aprocess shaped in response to conditions and demands of the environment; fulfilling this visiondepends crucially on the environmental, cultural or social conditions in which the family lives.The authors used Maslow’s hierarchical theory of needs as a theoretical framework to illustratePolish parents’ opinions on the components of an “ideal childhood” and the possibilities ofrealising such a vision. This paper presents the results of interviews with 31 Polish workingparents, each of whom had at least one child aged six or younger. Their opinions on perfectchildhood lead to the supplementing of Maslow’s theory with a Pyramid of Needs in a PerfectChildhood. Confronting parents’ expectations with their reality showed their beliefs and hopesconcerning the chances for the comprehensive development of their children but also revealedfinancial problems, as well as difficulties related to child care and medical health care.
关键词：parenthood; childhood; Maslow’s pyramid of needs
