Questionable Parenting Practices and Their Potential Negative Effects

A Critical Analysis on the Effects of Questionable Parenting Practices
         The baby boom generation has ushered in a new era of questionable parental behavior. Deficiencies in monitoring and excessive punitive measures have been linked to behavioral problems such as delinquent behavior and oppositional defiance in children. Explanations for the dissemination of such deficiencies include changing social values and increasing economic demands, which displace parents from their availability to their children.

Harsh Discipline

Bailey, Hill, Oesterle, and Hawkins (2009) studied the effects of lack of monitoring, harsh discipline, and substance abuse across three consecutive generations. Their findings indicate a relationship of harsh discipline and poor parental monitoring between the first two generations. Their findings also indicated a relationship of poor parental monitoring and behavioral problems; including substance abuse.

The Effect of the Child's Temperament

            Results of this study are not by any means unexpected. Obviously, the issues at hand are incredibly complex and possesses potentially significant limitations. I think that the temperaments of all participants are a critical factor. A difficult or slow to warm child would be severely impacted by deficiencies in parental monitoring and or excessive punitive measures, compared to a child of easy temperament. Also not easily measured are the effects of extended family members and peer group relations on the participants. Even comprehensive attempts at limiting such influences, despite optimism produce temporary results at best. The study also fails to evaluate the effects Grandparents can have in the reduction the effects of poor parental practices.

- Steven East CADAC II
Addiction Specialist
The Landing of Newport Beach – Drug and Alcohol Treatment for Men