Assignment 1 -

Please pick FIVE of the following questions to answer.

1) Discuss an issue that disrupts/affects attachment. Please identify the issue, explain the impact it can have on children, and how one might work to resolve/correct the attachment problems.

2) Give an example of a parenting practice common to mainstream American culture. What type of parenting style does this fit with from the textbook (and why)? Similarly, give an example of a common parenting practice in another country/culture. What type of parenting style (e.g. authoritative, permissive, etc.) does it fit with and why?

3) Pick a special need and describe some factors that would need to be considered when parenting a child with that special need.

4) Pick a behavior problem that is common in the preschool aged population (bedtime/sleeping problems, eating issues, problems with elimination, tantrums, aggression, etc.) Describe the scenario and then offer two strategies that could be used deal with this problem. What evidence or theories from the textbook support the strategies you selected (and how)?

5) Describe a teenage behavior of which many parents may disapprove. Is it a good idea for parents to forbid their teenager(s) from this type of activity? What can parents do when their teen makes unwise decisions? Cite theories or support from the textbook to support your answers.

6) Describe some of the effects of parental alcoholism, providing specific examples regarding a fictitious family. How does it affect family routines and compromise parenting behaviors? What is parentification? Provide one scenario that illustrates this role.

7) Discuss two challenges associated with parenting in a stepfamily or blended family system. What are some of the factors that influence the outcome/successful transformation of these new families?

8) Describe three effects of child maltreatment. What interventions do you think would be beneficial to help children overcome the trauma they have experienced? Ideally, how would children or families access or obtain assistance with these interventions?

Assignment 2 -

Part ONE - Please answer all components

Interview a parent (any parent - could be a friend, neighbor, relative, etc. but NO names or identifying information please!). Please ask relevant questions so that you may report on the following information:

1) What is their family structure (single parent or two parent household; is there a history of divorce; do the child(ren) have multiple caregivers?

2) Identify 2 cultural influences on the upbringing of their children (cultural influences can include any of the following: race, acculturation, religion, socioeconomic status, collectivism/individualism, etc.). Please explain how those influences may impact their child(ren)'s development

3) Describe your impression of the parenting style of this parent, citing one specific example from your interview that illustrates this parenting style.

Part TWO - Please answer all components

If you are currently a parent: Think about your own parenting style and answer the following questions.

If you are NOT current a parent: Answer the questions hypothetically (take time to carefully think how you would act if you were a parent)

1) How would you classify your parenting style and why? Provide two specific examples of your practices that illustrate that parenting style.

2) Now that you have learned about child outcomes and parenting styles, provide one example of how you might strive to improve your parenting. Cite how this is linked to child outcomes.

3) Cite and explain one strategy from the textbook that you use or could use when disciplining your child(ren) or managing conflict. Please give a specific example of a behavior and how you could handle it.