THE "BEST" WAY TO RAISE CHILDREN
Question: "Why are there so many problems associated with identifying the best way to raise children?"
Most obviously, all children and all parents different from all other children and all other parents. There being few if any universals to pinpoint, it is not possible to identify a single best approach which will apply with all individuals under any circumstance- Just as each child will respond differently to the same intervention, so each parent would have their own unique manner of implementing the same parenting technique. There are so many variables associated with human development that it is not possible to single out in advance the one true way of teaching children to function well in society or in a family system.
Despite the foregoing, it is possible to identify a few basic characteristics which parents or other caretakers can use in raising children to function responsibly- Among these traits are mutual respect, mutual trust, caring, concern, empathy, a willingness to listen, emphasis on positive strengths, cooperation and equal participation in conflict resolution, openness with thoughts and feelings, and support and acceptance for each other's individuality (Dinkmeyer & McKay, 1990, pp. 5-7). That list, a tall order in itself, also helps explain part of the difficulty in formulating a system of child-rearing that works. REFERENCE Dinkmeyer, Don & McKay, Gary D. (1990). Parenting Teenagers: Systematic Training for Effective Parenting of Teens, Circle Pines, Minnesota: American Guidance Service.
Thomas S. Rue, MA, NCC
December 30, 1991Psychological and Quantitative Foundations 7P:109
The University of Iowa - College of Education
Socialization of the School Age Child - Assignment #5
Thomas Rue 1991-1993.
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