Discussion 1: The Impact of Parenting Styles

Discussion 1: The Impact of Parenting Styles

You can observe a number of parenting styles in action just by walking into a grocery store. Consider the parent who hands over a smart phone to keep a child busy, the parent who has strict rules about staying by the cart and not wandering off, and the parent who allows a child to run the aisles and load treats into the cart without asking. Clearly, each of these parents has a rather different parenting style. It could also be assumed, then, that each of these children has rather different experiences at the store, at home, and in daily life.

From a counseling standpoint, how much will these different parenting styles truly affect each child? Specifically, how might experiences shaped by parents affect their children’s identities and who those children become as adults? What affect (if any) might a given parenting style have on a young child’s emotional stability?

For this Discussion, review this week’s media, “Perspectives: Working with Young Children.” Then, consider how cultural and environmental influences can affect both parenting style and a young child’s identity.

Post an explanation of the influence parenting style has on a child’s identity and emotional stability. Include considerations for cultural and environmental influences. Justify your response with references to this week’s Learning Resources and the current literature. Be specific.

Respond to two of your colleagues using one or more of the following approaches:

• Expand on a colleague’s post by providing an authentic example from your own observations and/or work with clients.
• Offer and support additional cultural and environmental influences by referencing authentic examples from your own observations, your work with clients, and/or the current literature.
• Share an insight into why a parent from a certain culture or environment might choose to parent his or her child using a certain style. Support your insight by referencing authentic examples from your work with clients and/or the current literature.