Midterm - Parenting

Question 1

How can we explain the Family as Socializers?

Answer 1

• Families are the first, most influential socializers
• Parents influence children directly (through interactions) and indirectly (environment control)

Question 2

What are some Challenges in Parenting?

Answer 2

• No clear consensus on : What children should be like as adults & How parents should achieve these outcomes
• Confusion and uncertainty are common

Question 3

What are Baumrind’s Parenting Styles?

Answer 3

• Cool & Warmth Balance : Loving but rule-based
  1. Authoritative : Explains rules (Democratic). Outcome = Positive (self-confident, low deviance)
  2. Authoritarian : Expects compliance without discussion. Outcome = Negative (anxiety, aggression)
  3. Permissive : Few directives, manipulation. Outcome = Negative (immaturity, rebellion)
  4. Uninvolved : Most negative (insecure, substance abuse risk)

Question 4

Positive vs. Negative Attention, which is best?

Answer 4

• Reward desired behaviour, ignore undesired behaviour
• Positive reinforcement (ex. praise) is more effective than punishment

Question 5

What is the Coercive Cycle by Patterson?

Answer 5

• Escalating conflict leading to a vicious cycle, solution = break cycle, focus on positive bonding

Question 6

Explain Emotion Coaching (an effective parenting technique)

Answer 6

• Connect before directing, validate emotions before offering advice
• Steps :
  1. Be aware of emotions
  2. Connect with the child
  3. Listen empathetically
  4. Label emotions
  5. Set limits and find solutions
• Ex. I understand you’re upset, but you cannot hit your brother

Question 7

Why is Physical Punishment ineffective and harmful?

Answer 7

• No benefits, risks include : physical injury, poor mental health, impaired relationships
• Leads to guilt and is often used when parents lack other tools
• Linked to negative adult outcomes (ex. violence tolerance)
• Parents most likely to use physical punishment if they : approve of it, experienced it themselves, are subject to depression or burdened by stress

Question 8

What are some Alternatives to Physical Punishment?

Answer 8

• Emotion Coaching : Model and label emotions
• Techniques :
  1. Play to teach emotional regulation
  2. Use stories to discuss characters’ emotions
  3. Label your own emotions and model handling them well

Question 9

What are some Supernanny Techniques seen in the videos?

Answer 9

• Positive Attention : Engage children in tasks (ex. grocery lists)
• Active Ignoring : Ignore behaviour, reward compliance (ex. choosing sunscreen)