Question

A 9-year-old boy's mother has been called to school because her son has been hitting other children and stealing their pens. His mother reveals that he often pokes the cat they have at home with sharp objects. Think:

Answer 1

A 9-year-old boy's aggressive behavior at school and towards a pet cat suggests possible psychosocial issues and the need for parental intervention. The child's actions could be influenced by the mother's disciplining methods, as evident in the example of observational learning in Claire's family.

Step-by-step explanation:

The behavior exhibited by the 9-year-old boy, such as hitting other children, stealing pens, and poking the cat at home with sharp objects, may suggest underlying psychosocial issues. The example of Claire shows how children can engage in observational learning, imitating the behaviors they see in adults. Claire's daughter, Anna, imitating her mother by using a belt on a teddy bear, is a clear example of how children learn behaviors from adults and why alternative discipline methods may be needed.

Instances of bullying or aggressive behaviors, like the situation of an 11-year-old being the class bully, can also be indicative of the need for behavioral intervention. It's crucial to address both the behavior and the environmental factors that could be contributing to such actions. In this case, the mother may need to explore different parenting techniques and potentially seek professional guidance to correct her son's behavior effectively and humanely.