Family Responsibility in the Socializing of Children - Research Paper Example

Brinkerhoff et al. (2007) have pointed out that “Conforming to social rules is an important key to gaining acceptance and love, first from the family and then from others.

Young children are so dependent on the love and acceptance of their family” (Brinkerhoff et al., 2007, p.66). Young children usually visualize their parents as role model. They will curiously watch all the movements of their parents including the socializing activities. Parents often talk with others in the presence of their children. They may not be aware of the fact that their children are watching their mannerisms, tone, modulation, gestures, facial expression etc. Young children will store all such data in their minds for future use.

The goal of parenting is to raise a child who is healthy and successful in life, who can contribute to self and to society, who accepts and works to further the social order. The process--the behaviours that are used over time--to reach these goals is termed socialization (Lerner et al., 1998)It is not necessary that the children always socialize properly with others. For example, it is quite possible that children utter certain rash words or improper languages in the presence of others. It is the responsibility of the parents to make them aware about the usage of words, in family and society.

They should educate their children how to behave in family and in society. Family is a place in which casual talking or informal communication occurs. On the other hand, society is a place in which formal talking occurs. Parents should make their children aware of the differences in communication between family members, friends and members of the society. Children should get proper awareness about when should use formal words and informal words. Usages of formal words in family and in friends’ circle are not good for proper socializing whereas usage of formal words is necessary while mingling with the dignitaries in the society.

Children often struggle to identify the occasions in which they should use formal worlds and informal words. Only the parents can help them in this regard. ConclusionsChildren get basic lessons of socializing from their family and therefore parents and family have huge roles in shaping the socializing behaviour of children.