Question

QUESTION 3:

Sipho’s parents have different parenting styles. Sipho’s father is very strict and controlling, setting high standards and expectations for his son. He believes that discipline and obedience are essential and has set strict rules and guidelines for Sipho to follow. His father also closely monitors his social life, restricting the time he spends with his friends and the activities they do together. On the other hand, Sipho’s mother is more lenient. She believes in allowing her son to make his own decisions and mistakes, providing guidance and support when needed but giving him the freedom to explore and learn on his own. She is more interested in building a close relationship with her son and ensuring he feels comfortable and open with her.

3.1 Identify the different parenting styles represented in the case study. (2)

3.2 Briefly describe the characteristics of each parenting style, by providing examples from the case study. (6)

3.3 Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of each parenting style for their child’s development, as identified in 2.1? (6)

3.4 How might Sipho’s mother and father find middle ground to address their parenting differences and create a cohesive parenting approach to benefit their child. (6)​

Answer 1

3.1 The different parenting styles represented in the case study are authoritarian/strict parenting and permissive/lenient parenting.

3.2 Authoritarian/strict parenting is characterized by a parent who is demanding, controlling, and sets high expectations for their child. Sipho’s father exemplifies this parenting style by enforcing strict rules and guidelines for his son to follow. He also closely monitors his social life by restricting his time with friends and their activities. On the other hand, permissive/lenient parenting is characterized by a parent who is more relaxed and allows their child to make their own decisions and mistakes. Sipho’s mother exemplifies this parenting style by providing guidance and support when needed but giving her son the freedom to explore and learn on his own.

3.3 The potential benefits of authoritarian/strict parenting include that it can instill discipline and obedience in children. However, the drawbacks of this parenting style include that it can lead to children feeling resentful and rebellious and may negatively impact their mental health and well-being. The potential benefits of permissive/lenient parenting include that it can promote independence and self-esteem, but the drawbacks include that it can lead to a lack of discipline and accountability for children.

3.4 Sipho’s mother and father can find middle ground by focusing on building a close and open relationship with their son while incorporating discipline and accountability. They could have open communication to discuss their parenting styles and find ways to compromise. For example, Sipho’s father could still set expectations but provide explanations for why they are in place, and Sipho’s mother could ensure that Sipho is held accountable for his actions. By creating a cohesive parenting approach, Sipho will benefit from both the structure and guidance provided by strict parenting and the freedom to make mistakes and learn on his own provided by lenient parenting.