Parenting Today Scenarios - Assignment Example

Parenting Today Scenarios Part I Dear friend, I am writing you to tell you about an incident that occurred that I spent considerable time thinkingabout how to manage. Recently my sixteen year old came into the house smelling of cigarettes and alcohol. This was a startling experience as from my knowledge my child had never been involved in smoking or drinking. I spent a few days thinking about the best way to manage this situation. As I have a strong relationship with my child I recognize I can have a civil conversation with them. As a means of addressing these concerns then I will find an opportune time to have a discussion with my child. I believe I will approach them in a non-intimidating and non-threatening fashion. Recognizing this is a transition phase for my child, I view this conversation as a means of aiding in their personal development, as well as strengthening my connection with them. After sitting down with my child I will not speak with them in an accusatory way, but rather ask their perspective on cigarettes and alcohol. My belief is that punishing them outright will be ineffective as it would not target the course issue, namely their acceptance of cigarettes and alcohol in their life. Rather I will continue the discussion through having an open dialogue about these substances, and I will inform my child the dangers of each. I will spend considerable time emphasizing how these substances deter an individual from having a healthy, fulfilling, and happy life. I will concluded by informing them if I found evidence of alcohol use I will take measures towards punishment, including taking their car away from them. Ultimately, I believe the conversation will be successful in establishing the facts about these substances in a way that would not encourage rebellious or spiteful behavior. Part II Family development theory is an approach to studying families that considers dynamics elements of change and development (White 2007, p. 4). Within this spectrum of understanding theoretical applications have been implemented in considering transitions and developments both within individuals and within the larger family structure. In many instances, systems theories have been implemented as a means of addressing the ways that families interact. For instance, Bronfbrenner’s ecological systems theory divided social structures into a variety of systems that then correspondingly are analyzed for their interacting tendencies (Steinberg, 2008, p. 43). The pervading consideration in these regards is that these theoretical models can be implemented not just to understand family dynamics, but also to develop functional methods of operation or therapy. One major issue is the use of drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol. Indeed, there are a variety of theoretical approaches to addressing concerns related to a teenage child using cigarettes and/or alcohol. There are a number of perspectives on a child’s use of alcohol and drugs. Much of these perspectives can be linked to the study of adolescent behavior. The teenager is experiencing a crucial period of transition from adolescence to adulthood. Their use of these substances then has been linked to a pervasive experimenting with behavioral patterns that bridge the gap between these stages (Christie 2005, p. 301). Additionally this substance use has been viewed from the perspective of physiological development, as the changing nature of teenagers’ hormonal structure contributes to the willingness to take on greater degrees of risk and explore their surrounding environment (Christie 2005, p. 301). Some theories on adolescent behavior consider the influence of the media on behavioral patterns (Christie 2005, p. 301). In addition to these theories on adolescent substance use, there is the consideration of influence as embodied in ecological models. Notably, Bronfbrenner establishes five systems perspective that influence the child’s behavioral patterns (Steinberg, 2008, p. 43). The cumulative recognition in these regards is that child’s substance use cannot be viewed in terms of any one single reason, but must be approached comprehensively. There are a number of strategies that have been theoretically established as helping deter adolescent substance use. One of the most overarching considerations in terms of preventing a child’s usage of cigarettes and alcohol is through discussions and relationship building. Family development theory posits a number of means of having a productive discussion with a child regarding these substances. One of the most pervasive recognitions is that the parent should not be threatening in having the discussion. It’s noted that one should avoid threating, “so you dont immediately push him away. Instead, ask him questions, so you can understand why your child is partaking in this behavior. This information will help you decide how to handle the situation” (Lynn 2011). In addition to collecting needed information, there is the potential that overly threatening or an intimidating parenting style will alienate your child and make any functional discussion impossible. There are additionally other theoretical perspectives on approach one’s child. Within the discussion a parent has with their child it’s necessary to provide the facts regarding the dangers of substance use (Niaaa publications, 2012). In these regards, there is informative information, such as the length of time alcohol stays in the system, to health concerns such as cancer, to legal concerns that could be inflicted through drunk driving. There is the further recognition that targeting some of the underlining causes of the child’s behavior is also important. Ecological systems theory posits a number of systems that individuals operate in that influence their behavior. In terms of adolescent substance use this is significant as it indicates parents must considered the child’s comprehensive environment and ensure that the influences they receive are to high standards. Finally, parents must ensure that the relationship they have with their child is strong. In addition to influences external to the home, systems theory considers the home environment as a strong contributing factor to a child’s behavior and decision patterns. Ensuring a strong home environment then can greatly contribute to the child’s positive decision making (Nichols 2009, p. 71). Ultimately these comprehensive perspectives have been embraced in family and adolescent development theories. In conclusion, this essay has examined the approach family development theory has established for dealing with a child that is potentially using alcohol and cigarettes. Within this spectrum of understanding a number of prominent influencing factors have been considered. These factors demonstrate that it is necessary to address adolescent behavior patterns not from a single focus area, but a comprehensive and multidimensional approach. Part III In establishing a means of approaching my sixteen-year old child about the use of drugs and alcohol I contacted two local community centers. The first community center I contacted was The Greenbelt Community Center ("Greenbelt community center," 2012). This center is located at 15 Crescent Road Greenbelt, MD 20770 and can be reached through the telephone at 301-397-2208. This center offers therapy services at a sliding scale rate. The Greenbelt community center indicated that this is a regular problem for adolescents. They recommended having a meaningful conversation with the child regarding the issue and inform them of the dangers and pitfalls of using these substances. This center took a decidedly non-punishment stance towards these issues. The second community center I contacted was the YMCA ("Ymca prince georges," 2012). This center is located at 3501 Moylan Drive Bowie and can be reached through telephone by calling (301) 262-4342. The YMCA offers activities adolescents can participate which place them in an environment of positive influences. The YMCA recommended many of the same approaches as the Greenbelt Center. However, the YMCA encouraged parents implementing greater degrees of punishment. Perhaps because the center’s focus on sports and athletics, they recommended that the child becomes restricted from participating in a favored extra-curricular activity if the problem persists. Additionally, they suggested limiting other privileges such as access to a car or other such amenities. Both of these approaches influenced my ultimate decision in the matter. I decided that the first step I would take would be to have a conversation with my child about the issue. This conversation would be both informative and information gathering. Coupled with the information that is gained through this conversation I will then take a comprehensive approach to the issue. In this way I will first consider the systems elements that influence my child’s behavior – friends, school, and work influences. I will then work to ensure that these influences are as positive and healthy as I can ensure. My next step will be to monitor my child’s continued behavior. I believe it’s important, particularly at this transition period, to ensure that I do not adopt an overbearing approach. However, if the behavior still persists then I will enact punitive measures. In this way my child’s car privileges will be restricted until I recognize a significant shift in their behavioral patterns. While much family development theory encourages parents to have a discussion with their child about the issue, I believe discussion is not necessarily a one-time experience but rather a long-term approach to relationship building between parent and child. In this way I will continue to work hard to ensure my relationship with my child is strong and that they are given the best influences and opportunities possible References Greenbelt community center. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.greenbeltmd.gov/communitycenter/index.htm Lynn, J. (2011). How to get your child to quit smoking. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/90228-child-quit-smoking-pot/ Niaaa publications. (2012). Retrieved from http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/MakeADiff_HTML/makediff.htm Nichols, M. (2009) Family Therapy: Concepts and Methods. Prentice Hall. Steinberg, L. (2008). Adolescence, 8th ed. 273. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Christie D, (2005). "Adolescent development". BMJ 330 (7486): 301–4. White, J. (2007) Family Theories. New York: Sage Publications. Ymca prince georges county. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.ymcadc.org/index.cfm Read More