Parental Behavior

Specific behaviors influence children

• Direct instruction

• Modeling

• Feedback

Direct Instruction

• Explain to children what to do….

• WHEN

• WHY

Explain

• Explain the link between emotion and behavior.– Coach behavior– Explain alternatives– Explain how our actions affect others

Coaching

• Particularly powerful influence when paired with modeling.

Modeling

• Learning by observing parent– Learn what should be done– Learn what should not be done

(counterimitation)

• Inhibition—if we see someone punished for a behavior we are less likely to exhibit that behavior

• Disinhibition—increase in observed behaviors (parents fight so child fights)

Feedback

• Reinforcement—increases likelihood of repeating the behavior

• Punishment—decreases likelihood of repeating behavior while the punisher is present

• Negative reinforcement trap—often with mother and son

Negative Reinforcement Trap

• Mom: “Take out the trash.”

• Son: argues, complains, whines

• Mom: gives in

Punishment

• Immediate

• Consistent

• Explain why and what to do to avoid it next time

• Warm relationship with punisher

Time Out

• Use caution• Purpose of time out• Use induction• Learn alternative

behaviors for future use

So…Influence Children by

• Direct instruction• Modeling behavior

that is valued• Do not model

behavior you do not want the child to learn

• Giving feedback• Using authoritative

parenting style

Interactive Influences

• Parent and child respond to each other and elicit behaviors

• Influence of temperament

• Patterns of interaction emerge

Cultural Variations in Parenting

• Warmth

• Control

Styles of Grandparenting

• Formal• Fun-seeking• Distant• Dispensing-family-

wisdom• Surrogate parent

Summary

• Parents influence behavior of children.

• Children influence behavior of parents.

• Wise adults are aware of those influences

• Consider temperament

• Consider culture

• Consider grandparents’ role as family members