Arguably, child developments depend on various factors. These factors include socialization agents, relationship between the parent and child, as well as the environmental surroundings. The prime television programs that I watched portrayed different approaches on childrearing, parenting styles, punishments, and general perpetuation of media on the myths related to child rearing. There are different approaches of childrearing as per the programs. The approaches included permissive parenting, giving responsibility and assigning duties, spanking, tenderness in handling children, as well as diagnostic approach.
Watching the programs revealed different styles of parenting. The parenting styles used differed from one parent to another. In most situations, permissive parenting styles were used. In this case, parents made few demands to their children. In families whose parenting style was permissive, rarely punished their children. This is because they have extremely low expectations of self-control and maturity (Dunning 51). Observably, permissive parents proved to be more responsive rather than demanding. The relationship that existed between parents and he child is more of a friend. The main aim of the parent is to develop communicative skills and nurturing. On the other hand, authoritarian and authoritative parenting styles could be seen. The parents established strict rules to be followed by the children, failure to do so led to punishment, while others were forgiven. From the programs, it is clear that parenting styles affect development and growth of a child (Liamputtong 34).
Children who misbehaved were punished in different ways. On the other hand, others were forgiven. The main goal of the parents in carrying out punishment is to induce discipline and stop the mistake. Children below the age of two are naturally curious; hence, parents punished them by eliminating all items that tempted them to misbehave, as well as ignoring behaviors carried out to get the attention of the parents. Others were punishment by being beaten, denied their best toys, embarrassment, being firm, consistency in making decisions, as well as redirecting misbehavior (Dunning 64).
Media perpetuates childrearing myths in the world today. In the programs, various myths were show to be working. For example, children who behaved well were praised while those who misbehaved are threatened or being punished. Media perpetuate various methods of children rearing to be perfect, yet there is no perfection in childrearing (Dunning 70).
The society today has changed; parents have left their worn to house help. In fact, most of the parents believe the house help would take care of the child in a good way (Liamputtong 87). Societal attitudes on parenting have become complex and challenging. Parents have given their children all the freedom to anything they want. The programs I analyzed demonstrate how the society view the issue of parenting.
Work cited
Dunning, L. Good Parents Bad Parenting. London: Wiley, 2004.
Liamputtong, P. Childrearing, and Infant Care Issues. New York: Wadsworth. 2007.
