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Parenting, Sex and Gender


Page numbers don't matter. It can be your own knowledge.

1. On page 210 of the textbook, the author defines 3 patterns of parenting--authoritarian, authoritative and permissive parenting. Do you think that the age of the child affects which type of parenting style a person will choose or do parents use the same style throughout the time they are raising children?

2. On page 221 in the text the topic of sex and gender comes up. The text mentions that by age 5 children are aware of sex and gender differences and that by age 8 they believe their biological sex is permanent trait. My question to you is what do you think about children today experiencing and witnessing same sex couples? Does anyone think that same sex couples or parents who have children can influence what sex they prefer later in life?

3. Page 218. The text book states that children between the ages of 2 and 6 receive more physical punishments than that of children of other ages. These physical punishments may consist of a spanking or simply slapping the child. Why do you think that parents use physical punishment with their children at this targeted age group rather than a different form of punishment?

4. In the book on page 188 it states that the leading cause of death worldwide for people under age 40 are accidents. Why do accidents happen more among this particular age group? There has been a number of prevention programs put into place to try to reduce the accident rate, but how come accidents still occur? What else can be done to try reducing the number of accidents?

5. The books talks about abusing and maltreating children. This is a serious topic because this is often taking away the innocence of a child. What some people do no realize is child abuse is rarely reported because the child often does not know they are being maltreated. Not until a child gets older do they realize what has been done to them was abuse. There are many different ways the effects of abuse are handled, which method do you think is most effective for a child who has been sexually abused by a parent?

6. I found the nutrition section of this chapter to be very relevant to America's youth and their current health risks. According to the textbook, "children in low-income families are especially vulnerable to obesity because their cultures still guard against undernutrition and their parents may rely on fast foods, which are relatively cheap but high in calories and low in nutritional value." (Page(s): 161-162). I believe fast food chains, busy schedules, and low income families play a major role in the rise of childhood obesity in our country. Childhood obesity can lead to dangerous risks in adulthood such as heart disease and diabetes.

Knowing the importance of a healthy, balanced diet, especially at a young age, what do you suggest we do to combat the increase of childhood obesity in our country, and where should we put our attention? (School lunches, fast food chains, low income families, etc.).

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Solution Preview

1. Personally, I have always used the authoritative parenting style. This style is much more democratic and involves the children and at times gives them a choice instead of having no choice in matters that involve them, or allowing them to do anything they wish. It sets boundaries for the child; however, if the child crosses those boundaries, the parent's discipline the child in a loving and supportive manner and are not punitive. This type of parenting style should begin at birth and continue on throughout the child's life. Being consistent is crucial for children to understand what is expected from them. Here are many times when two different types of parenting styles may need to be used in the same family. As a child matures and becomes an adolescent, there are times when an authoritarian style of discipline may be necessary. One child may be very outspoken and require a more authoritarian style of discipline. This would be when the child is very head-strong and rebellious when it comes to doing things that could be harmful to themselves or others. I feel in this case it would be necessary for a parent to use the authoritarian style of discipline because it is important to set boundaries and rules for the child to follow; however it is equally important for parents to set a good example for their children. The next child may be less rebellious and more cooperative and not require strict rules. This type of child would benefit from the authoritative style of parenting. This type of child is able to make decision and can assist in setting their boundaries and rules. The next style is the permissive parenting style. I do not feel that this style should be used because it doesn't set any type of rules for the child to assist them in growing and maturing into productive individuals.

2. I do not think that even by age 8 a child understands the concept of gender and sex. They may know that they are a girl and their brother is a boy, but they do not understand the sexual differences as to why or ...

Solution Summary

The solution discusses the three patterns of parenting, gender awareness in children, why children between ages of 2 and six tend to receive more physical punishment, prevention programs to prevent accidents, the most effective method for children who have been sexually abused by a parents, and how to combat against child obesity in America.