Week 5 Discussion


5
"The Changing Family System"

Using what you’ve learned this week, respond to the following prompts in your post:

 Explain at least two (2) roles that different parenting styles play in shaping the
overall behavior of children. Next, indicate the significant impacts that each role has in
contributing to delinquent behavior among juveniles.

I can speak to the two roles of parenting styles that I am familiar:

1. Authoritarian parenting style. This parenting style focuses on the child’s adherence
to authority without question, these parents have high demands and tend to take
mistakes seriously. Providing very little positive feedback and the use of corporal
punishment when child disobeyed. This form of parenting doesn’t teach the value of
self-control or provide the children options but focuses on adherence or fear of
authority… parents authority.

The effects of this type of parenting does make for obedient and well-behaved
children but the child experiences poor social skills, lacking decision-making ability, a
child may become antisocial and prone to delinquency, these children also prefer to
suppress emotions and the parent child relationship is less satisfying to both the
child and parent.

My father was an authoritarian, while we were young he demanded our obedience

without questions, only provided negative feedback, and had no problem handing
corporal punishment. My father recognized later in his life after the birth of my baby
sister (I was 17) he could have been more affectionate, less strict, more involved in
his relationship with us. As a result, myself, and two younger brothers are prior
military, my baby sister is an elementary school teacher and my baby brother works
in management, we are all in positions which demands our leadership, our very best
and discipline, thanks Dad.

2. Authoritative parenting style. This parenting is a style wherein the parents and
children communicate amicably. Parents set policies and explain the reason behind
the rules to children and seek their opinion. Self-will and disciplined conformity are
encouraged and valued, these parents exert firm control at the points of parent-child
divergence not hemming the child in with restrictions.

Authoritative parenting is demanding but responsive, a verbal give and take,

involved and understanding, provides criticism and praise, operates on the trust but
verify mantra, love with limits and evolving approach to parenting.

A few of the effects of authoritative parents on the children are that the children are
self-confident and independent, open-minded and able to sync into any environment
and be comfortable, social beings, gender-typical traits are less observant and often
maturity comes to them early in life, and often assertive and result-oriented children.

I should know I raised four children and two step-children as an authoritative parent, I
believe my experience with my authoritarian father helped me to recognize that
trust, communication, discipline and order is necessary but so is love, positive
feedback, nurturing of confidence levels is also very important when raising children
to be responsible and productive adults.
 Think about the following question: Should juvenile delinquents be removed from
their home and parent(s) and placed in a foster home or group home if the child continues
to commit criminal acts after repeated.
attempts at treatment and confinement? Based on this question, discuss your thoughts on
this subject.
Provide support for your response.

I believe that children should never be removed from their parents or caregiver unless there
is verifiable abuse and neglect, unfavorable living conditions or grave danger for the child.
Many times, removing the child from the parents or caregiver to place them in the system
only exasperates the situation for the child and the parents creating an even more volatile
situation in the new place, the child may tend to feel even more lost and neglected.

I would offer that both the parents and the child be treated, either by way of mediation,
psychologist, sometimes I believe that parents don’t recognize how to help their children,
nor do they understand the damage they can do as well. Children look to parents for
examples, explanations, rules, guidance, love and as parents we can’t let others, social
media, or video games raise our children. WE must do it ourselves, get some help if you
don’t get it.