Guidance and Discipline Literature & Language Essay

Guidance and Discipline
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Guidance and Discipline
PART A
Authoritarian Style of Parenting
This style is always autocratic and characterized by a low level of responsiveness and a high level of demand (Rudy et al., 2001). Authoritarian parents are usually rigid and set stringent rules to be followed by their children. They feel that by setting rules, they show love to their children and keep them out of trouble. Any misbehavior is punishable. They hold their children to high morals and achievements. The desire for discipline overrides any aspect of the relationship. They believe that power rests with parents and that children are powerless (Rudy et al., 2001). When asked why they set rules, they usually say "because I am your parent" or "because I have said so."
The Red Foreman from That 70's Show is an example of a TV show which shows authoritarian parenting. Red is a father of two children Laurie and Eric. Red is assertive and sets rules that his children must follow. He is a no-nonsense father who favors his daughter Laurie over his son Erick. He often referred to Erick as a dumbass because he felt that he always messes around. When Erick stepped out of his rules, he could punish him severely and could threaten him physically. He underestimates Erick saying he was not a man enough and did never allowed him to drink beer, saying that beer is for grown men.
The effect of this style of parenting is that it lowers the self-esteem of children because children may feel unwanted (Rudy et al., 2001). Red always referred to his son as a weak dumbass. That affected him psychologically. It also instills disciple in children. That is because children avoid risky behaviors due to fear of being punished. Eric always tried to do the right thing to avoid punishment. However, sometimes he'd find himself in a mess.
Permissive Style
It involves low demand and high responsiveness (Querido et al., 2002). Parents love their children so much so that they view them as their best friends. Permissive parents do not set rules and limits to their children but instead allow them to freely choose their activities, behaviors, and even places to visit. Children are allowed to make decisions for themselves instead of being underestimated for being too young to make decisions or not old enough to perform some tasks. Children become independent and do not fear their parents (Querido et al., 2002). They always find it troublesome to follow many rules.
The Big Daddy is an example of a movie where this parenting style is evident. It is about Sonny who decides to take care of Julian, a five-year-old boy, to win the trust of his girlfriend and prove that he is a grown-up. Sonny gave Julian the freedom to do the things he liked without confronting him even when he was wrong. He did not even teach Julian personal hygiene and manners. Julian became a rude, dirty child and could pee on the wall.
The effect of permissive parenting is that it encourages risky behavior (Querido et al., 2002). Julian could intentionally wet his bed and then inform Sonny to help him to clean the mess. It also encourages disrespect. Julian, was once denied permission to...