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How Strict Should Parents Be?
Introduction:
This week, we’ll explore three main approaches to guiding children’s behavior: strict, lenient, and collaborative. We’ll focus on how to balance authority with empathy and problem-solving to build a strong, respectful relationship with your child.
Task 1: Reflecting on Your Parenting Style
1. Think of a recent moment when you had to guide your child’s behavior. Were you strict, lenient, or collaborative? How did your child respond?
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​2. How could you have approached the situation more collaboratively, involving your child in finding a solution?
Task 2: Collaborating with Your Child
1. Reflect on a challenge your child faces regularly (e.g., cleaning up, bedtime, homework). How can you involve your child in solving this problem collaboratively?
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2. Work through the issue together by validating your child’s feelings and brainstorming solutions.
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​What ideas did your child contribute, and how did they respond to being part of the solution?
Task 3: Understanding Tantrums
1. Think of a recent tantrum your child had.
What emotions do you think were driving the behavior?
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2. How can you acknowledge your child’s emotions during a tantrum without giving in to unrealistic demands?
For example, “I understand you’re upset because I said no.”
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Final Reflection
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1. How has this lesson changed your perspective on strict, lenient, and collaborative parenting?
2. What steps will you take to involve your child in problem-solving while guiding their behavior?
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Progress Tracker
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Use this section to evaluate your progress in balancing authority with empathy and problem solving.
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Quantitative Tracking
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1. How often did you approach challenges with your child collaboratively this week?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Rarely, 5 = Frequently):
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( ) 5
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2. How often did you acknowledge your child’s emotions during difficult moments or tantrums?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Rarely, 5 = Frequently):
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( ) 5
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3. How confident do you feel about balancing guidance with empathy and collaboration?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Not confident, 5 = Very confident):
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( ) 5
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Qualitative Tracking
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1. What was the most important insight you gained from reflecting on your parenting style this week?
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​2. How did involving your child in problem-solving affect their behavior and your relationship?