The focus of this study is on pastoral counselling and mentorship in the South African context and how it can contribute to the improvement of parent-child relationships. The Practical Theological model of Osmer is used as a framework in which the study is conducted. It consists of the Descriptive-empirical, Interpretative, Normative and Pragmatic tasks (which, for the purpose of the study, are called methods of approximation). In the first chapter the emphasis is on the way in which the study will be conducted with the aim of obtaining positive outcomes. This is also addressed in Chapter 2 by means of empiric research. Interviews are conducted with 24 participants that consist of parents and children. The aim of this is to determine how many problems really occur within families in a South African context. Many problems in this regard have come to light. The third chapter is mainly dedicated to a literature study that discusses the effect of positive and negative outcomes through the application of Biblical principles and mentorship within families. The effect of negative or positive parenthood is discussed as well as the effect it has on the child in his/her development process. Parents can learn many lessons from this chapter so that their children won’t have to grow up with emotional anguish. In the fourth chapter the theological aspects are discussed and proof is given for the value of these aspects as addressed by theological experts. Moral values, pastoral models, the value of the Holy Spirit and how God is portrayed are discussed here. These principles also contribute to happier families. In the fifth chapter attempts are made to find summarising solutions for this study’s initial problem statement, research question and central theoretical argument. Various results and conclusions can be made to find answers to the different key terms. Problem identification and problem solving techniques are discussed. A typical counselling session is held on the basis of a pastoral phase model in order to provide clarity to the solution of the abovementioned problems. / PhD (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The focus of this study is on pastoral counselling and mentorship in the South African context and how it can contribute to the improvement of parent-child relationships. The Practical Theological model of Osmer is used as a framework in which the study is conducted. It consists of the Descriptive-empirical, Interpretative, Normative and Pragmatic tasks (which, for the purpose of the study, are called methods of approximation). In the first chapter the emphasis is on the way in which the study will be conducted with the aim of obtaining positive outcomes. This is also addressed in Chapter 2 by means of empiric research. Interviews are conducted with 24 participants that consist of parents and children. The aim of this is to determine how many problems really occur within families in a South African context. Many problems in this regard have come to light. The third chapter is mainly dedicated to a literature study that discusses the effect of positive and negative outcomes through the application of Biblical principles and mentorship within families. The effect of negative or positive parenthood is discussed as well as the effect it has on the child in his/her development process. Parents can learn many lessons from this chapter so that their children won’t have to grow up with emotional anguish. In the fourth chapter the theological aspects are discussed and proof is given for the value of these aspects as addressed by theological experts. Moral values, pastoral models, the value of the Holy Spirit and how God is portrayed are discussed here. These principles also contribute to happier families. In the fifth chapter attempts are made to find summarising solutions for this study’s initial problem statement, research question and central theoretical argument. Various results and conclusions can be made to find answers to the different key terms. Problem identification and problem solving techniques are discussed. A typical counselling session is held on the basis of a pastoral phase model in order to provide clarity to the solution of the abovementioned problems. / PhD (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The authority of parents within the parent child relationship has developed from the rigid potestas which the pater in Roman Law could legally exercise to the authority of both parents in Roman-Dutch Law. The relationship had always been based in the biological sphere while the guardianship of the fathers had always been stronger than that of the mother. The position had been altered statutoraly in the Guardianship Act to provide for guardianship for the mother to be equal to that of the father.Under pressure of Constutional norms and prescripts on the one hand and also because of dramatically changed circumstances on the other it has become imperative that the foundation of the relatiopship would be reconcidered to determine its appropriateness for modern circumstances. Parental responsibilities and rights agreements as well as parenting plans to establish such responsibilities and rights in situations where it does not pertain to a perticular parent or a person concerned consequently reflect new and progressive thinking with regard to the nature and content of the relationship. In addition it may be noted that these agreements and plans reflect an inclination on the side of the legislature to move away from expensive, cumbersome and aggresive litigation bt providing the opportunity to persons concerned to come to mutaully acceptable results. It is futher argued that these agreements and plans may be viewed as a first step for the establishment of Family Relationshiop Centres it has developed in Australian Law / LLM (Private Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The authority of parents within the parent child relationship has developed from the rigid potestas which the pater in Roman Law could legally exercise to the authority of both parents in Roman-Dutch Law. The relationship had always been based in the biological sphere while the guardianship of the fathers had always been stronger than that of the mother. The position had been altered statutoraly in the Guardianship Act to provide for guardianship for the mother to be equal to that of the father.Under pressure of Constutional norms and prescripts on the one hand and also because of dramatically changed circumstances on the other it has become imperative that the foundation of the relatiopship would be reconcidered to determine its appropriateness for modern circumstances. Parental responsibilities and rights agreements as well as parenting plans to establish such responsibilities and rights in situations where it does not pertain to a perticular parent or a person concerned consequently reflect new and progressive thinking with regard to the nature and content of the relationship. In addition it may be noted that these agreements and plans reflect an inclination on the side of the legislature to move away from expensive, cumbersome and aggresive litigation bt providing the opportunity to persons concerned to come to mutaully acceptable results. It is futher argued that these agreements and plans may be viewed as a first step for the establishment of Family Relationshiop Centres it has developed in Australian Law / LLM (Private Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014