Note While It Is Understood Different People And Even Entire

Note While It Is Understood Different People And Even Entire Cultures

Note: While it is understood different people and even entire cultures have different parenting styles, your answers should be based on the research and theories presented in this unit. Describe the stage of cognitive development of the child in each scenario. Explain how you would address the child and the situation. Will you use punishment in any of the situations? What tactics would be the most useful considering your child’s level of cognitive development?

Scenario 1: Jimmy screams when the batteries die on his Avengers motorcycle. Previously, his mother had been able to put the motorcycle away and have Jimmy immediately engage in playing with something else. However, she has noticed that he is not doing that this time. He continues to scream even though the motorcycle has been put in a drawer. As his parent, how would you respond?

Scenario 2: An 8-year-old boy and his 10-year-old brother are told to share three cans of soda pop. The 8-year-old becomes angry when his 10-year-old brother takes two of the cans and gives the 8-year-old only one can. The 10-year-old grabs two glasses and pours one soda into the two glasses and gives it to the 8-year-old. Everything is fine now as they both have two soda pop drinks. How do you address each child?

Scenario 3: Your 21-year-old daughter comes home from college and excitedly shares that she is quitting school to invest more time in her social media career. In fact, she reveals that she will be quitting school, despite only having 1 year left to complete her bachelor’s degree. (She does not see the need for her degree any longer, as her Instagram followers have increased exponentially since she has begun doing some of the popular Tik Tok challenges.) She has decided to throw away her former career plans and become a full-time social media influencer. Now, her life is all set! (What is your reaction?)

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the cognitive development of children and the appropriate parental responses is essential for fostering healthy growth and emotional regulation. Each of the scenarios presented reflects different developmental stages and requires tailored strategies rooted in developmental psychology theories. This essay analyzes each scenario, identifies the child's cognitive level, and discusses suitable parenting tactics, including the use or avoidance of punishment, to promote positive behavioral outcomes.

Scenario 1: Jimmy’s Temper Tantrum

Jimmy, likely around 3 to 4 years of age, is in the preoperational stage of cognitive development, as described by Piaget (Piaget, 1952). Children in this stage are characterized by egocentrism, limited understanding of cause-and-effect relationships, and difficulty with emotional regulation, especially when faced with disappointment. Jimmy's persistent screaming despite the toy being put away indicates that he has not yet developed the capacity for delay of gratification or understanding of transitional activities. His emotional response is typical for his developmental level, as he struggles to manage frustrations.

Addressing Jimmy’s tantrum requires empathetic and developmentally appropriate strategies. Instead of harsh punishment, which can heighten his distress and potentially reinforce negative behavior, a parent should acknowledge his feelings, offering comfort while also setting clear boundaries. For instance, the parent might kneel to his eye level and say, "I see you're upset because your toy isn’t available right now. It’s okay to feel sad, but screaming is not okay." Subsequently, redirecting his attention to a different activity or toy that is accessible can help him learn emotional regulation skills through guidance and modeling behavior (Moody et al., 2010). This approach aligns with the principles of positive reinforcement, encouraging patience and coping skills, which are more effective at this stage than punishment.

Scenario 2: Sharing Soda

The children in this scenario are within Piaget’s concrete operational stage (ages 7-11), where they develop logical thinking about concrete events but may still struggle with abstract concepts such as fairness and empathy. The 8-year-old's anger indicates an understanding of fairness that has been temporarily challenged, and the 10-year-old's act of pouring equal parts demonstrates cognitive development towards equitable sharing and perspective-taking.

Addressing each child's behavior involves reinforcing fairness and cooperation. For the 8-year-old, acknowledging his feelings ("I understand you're upset because you didn't get as much soda as your brother") helps validate his emotions, which is critical for emotional regulation at this age (Luria, 1961). For the 10-year-old, praising his effort to share equally can foster prosocial behavior. Additionally, teaching about empathy—helping him understand how his actions might make his sibling feel—supports moral development. Encouraging shared responsibilities and discussions about fairness can reinforce their understanding and cooperation, rather than using punishment which may undermine intrinsic motivation to share (Kohlberg, 1984).

Scenario 3: College Daughter’s Career Decision

The 21-year-old woman is in early adulthood, where identity exploration and personal values are central (Erikson, 1968). Her decision to abandon her degree in favor of social media fame reflects her pursuit of autonomy and self-identity, yet it also presents potential risks—such as financial instability and lack of formal qualifications.

Parental reactions should be grounded in respectful dialogue and support. While initial reactions may include concern or disappointment, acknowledging her passion and entrepreneurial spirit can foster understanding and trust. For example, expressing admiration for her initiative while gently discussing the importance of education as a safety net is constructive. Research suggests that supporting autonomy and intrinsic motivation, rather than controlling behaviors, results in better resilience and decision-making (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Parents can frame their concerns around long-term stability and encourage her to balance her aspirations with practical considerations. Ultimately, respecting her autonomy aligns with her developmental stage, enabling her to make informed choices while feeling supported.

In conclusion, each scenario involves children or young adults at different developmental stages, requiring strategies that respect their cognitive abilities and emotional maturity. Using empathy, validation, and guidance rather than punishment promotes positive growth, emotional regulation, and responsible decision-making. By understanding these developmental frameworks, parents can foster resilience, prosocial behaviors, and autonomous thinking, preparing their children for healthy futures.

References

• Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
• Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Kohlberg, L. (1984). The psychology of moral development: Essays on moral development. Harper & Row.
• Luria, A. R. (1961). The role of speech in the development of the child. In A. R. Luria, Language and cognition (pp. 31-53). Harper & Brothers.
• Moody, M. M., Fu, D., & Schaffer, J. (2010). Parenting interventions and emotional regulation in early childhood. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 51(8), 910-921.
• Piaget, J. (1952). The origins of intelligence in children. International Universities Press, Inc.