Parents, Peers, and Early Experiences

Parenting Styles Have you ever noticed that there are different ways parents raise their children? Some are easy-going, some are strict, some are carefree, some are controlling.

Parenting Styles What are the different parenting styles? How can parents and peers shape children’s development?

Three Parenting Styles Authoritarian Parents who impose rules and expect immediate obedience. “Don’t interrupt!” “Because I said so!” “Don’t stay out late or you’re grounded” Parents are in total control (for a while)

Three Parenting Styles Permissive Parents who give in to their children’s desires. There are few demands and little punishment. Children are in control (or so it seems)

Three Parenting Styles

Three Parenting Styles

Three Parenting Styles

Three Parenting Styles Authoritative Parents exert control by setting rules and enforcing them, but they also explain the reasons for the rules. They allow open discussion when making rules and allow exceptions (when reasonable)

Three Parenting Styles Authoritarian is like a barbarian Authoritative is creative

Three Parenting Styles These styles have been described like the three bears in Goldilocks' story: Too hard Too soft Just right

Parents Influence on Development How much can you blame (or credit) someone’s behavior on their parents? “To be frank, officer, my parents never set boundaries.”

Parents Influence on Development Where parenting does matter. Influence is clearest at the extremes: Abused children who become abusive Neglected who become neglectful The loved but firmly handled who become self- confident and socially competent.

Parents Influence on Development Where parenting does matter. Influence also appears to be remarkable in academic and vocational successes.

Parents Influence on Development Where parenting doesn’t matter. Environmental influences on personality typically account for less than 10% of children’s differences. Two children in the same family are as different in personality as pairs of children selected randomly from the population.

Parents Influence on Development Conclusion “Parents should be given less credit for children who turn out great and blamed less for kids who don’t.” - Sandra Scarr

Peer Influence on Development During childhood and adolescence, we are influenced by our groups as we seek to fit in. Tend to adopt the language accent of peers over what is at home Teens who start smoking typically have friends who smoke

Peer Influence on Development As we develop, we play, date, and partner with peers. It’s no wonder children and youth are sensitive and responsive to peer pressure.

Assignment You have seen posters or billboards intended to influence people for the good. You are to design a bumper sticker intended to influence your peers for the good. Come up with a concept to encourage, persuade, influence, reassure, embolden, or comfort your peers for the good. It must include A catchy slogan or saying A picture Lots of color