Breanna Foster
FAMR 331
04/27/2014
Discussion Questions: 4 Years My parenting style seems to adapt to Haley as she continues to grow and change; it is interactive and behavior based. Haley has excelled with her academic skills and is above average with her mathematical and language skills. I continue to challenge her with new tasks, but I also tend to focus on other things that challenge her such as self-discipline and her physical development. I believe that her motor skills, fitness, spatial relationships and cognitive abilities are very important. One aspect of parenting that I find extremely important and useful is positive reinforcement. Haley has shown that this works amazingly and she continues to expand her knowledge with every praise we give her. This seems to be very similar to the way in which my parents raised my brother and me. My parents praised us when we did something amazing and gave us “lickings” when we did things that would be considered inappropriate behavior. My parents encouraged learning both inside and outside of the classroom. One thing that I have adopted from them is the power of teaching and discipline and how the two coincide. You cannot discipline a child and not teach them the errors of their ways. You must explain yourself to them so that they understand the consequences of their actions. For this reason, my parents focused on teaching us courtesy, good behavior, and how to be a “good girl” or “good boy.” As we continued to grow, our parents encouraged the things we had interest in. For example, one week I would demonstrate interest in gymnastics, and the next soccer. Regardless of the sport or sudden change, my parents encouraged my interests whole heartedly, which is what I continue to do with Haley and Aubrey. My parents have taught me a lot in life that I can only hope I can demonstrate to my kids as they grow. Haley has