Suppose that you are the parent in each of the following scenarios. Based on what you have learned from
this unit’s materials, answer the following questions for each scenario by explaining how you would
effectively handle each situation.
Note: While it is understood different people and even entire cultures have different parenting styles, your
answers should be based on the research and theories presented in this unit.
Describe the stage of cognitive development of the child in each scenario.
Explain how you would address the child and the situation. Will you use punishment in any of the
situations? What tactics would be the most useful considering your child’s level of cognitive development?
Scenario 1: At the playground, your 5-year-old daughter shoves another child and takes away the child’s
toy. Your daughter then screams at the child and runs away.
Scenario 2: You discover that your 13-year-old son has taken $20 from your purse and is planning to use it
to purchase vapes (e-cigarettes) at school. The only reason you found out is because your 15-year-old
daughter tattled after becoming upset that her brother would not give her half of the loot to serve as hush
money. How do you address each child?
Scenario 3: Your 21-year-old daughter comes home from college and excitedly shares that she met a new
guy on Tinder, and she plans to marry him next month. She then reveals that she will be quitting school,
despite only having 1 year left to complete her bachelor’s degree. (She does not see the need for her
degree any longer, as her fiancé is rich, or so she has been told.) She has decided to throw away the
career plans and dream wedding she has planned since she was 10 years old because now she finally has
her Prince Charming, and her life is all set!