Parenthood

This movie reflection is based on the family drama named “Parenthood” in directed by Ron Howard in 1989. This movie is focused on the four different types of “Parenting style” and the sensitive relationship between parents and their children. In this film, Frank is the father of four adult children (Helen, Gil, Susan, and Gerry) and already has the conflict of married life and parenting problems. 

Through the film, we can compare that those different parents set different standards for their children and how the different parenting styles affect on children’s life. The film “Parenthood” focuses on the ups and downs that all the parents experience in their relationship with the kids. 

1.     Authoritarian Parenting – using Disciplinary strategies.(Susan and Nathan)

Susan is the third daughter in Buckham family. Susan and her husband, Nathan want have too much expectation from their little girl, Patty. However, Nathan’s expectation on het is too much and high, so Susan has been conflicting and finally decide to break up with Nathan.

Authoritarian parents are highly demanding and directive, but not responsive to their children. These parents are obedience- and status-oriented, and expect their orders to be obeyed without explanation. If asked to explain, the parent might simply reply, "Because I said so. They provide well-ordered and structured environments with clearly stated rules. Authoritarian parenting styles generally lead to children who are obedient and proficient, but children rank lower in happiness, social competence and self-esteem.

      2. Authoritative Parenting – using Warmth and nurturance (Gil and Karen)

Gil is the second son. He has spent his young childhood under Frank actually didn’t cared his children much. For that reason, Gil tries to prioritize his time with children as much as he can rather than work. He always tells family members how much he loves and encourages them. Gil and Karen have a son, Kevin. They fret so much over their son that he has to seek solace in therapy, because Kevin has an emotional problem leads to relationship problem with friends at school.

Authoritative parents are both demanding and responsive. Parents establish rules and guidelines that their children are expected to follow. They are much more democratic. They monitor and impart clear standards for their children’s conduct. They are assertive, but not intrusive and restrictive. Their disciplinary methods are supportive, rather than punitive. They want their children to be assertive as well as socially responsible, and self-regulated as well as cooperative. Authoritative parenting styles tend to result in children who are happy, capable and successful.

      3. Permissive Parenting – using Communication styles (Helen)

Gil’s psychiatrist, Helen is the first daughter in Buckman’s family. Now she is a single parent and has two children: Julie and Gerry. However, both two children make trouble. Her teenage daughter, Julie wants to get married to her boyfriend, Todd. At the same time, her son, Gerry has a boy’s sexual problem but doesn’t want to talk to mom, so he seems to be detached from her at this moment. All family members are isolated each other. 

Permissive parents  are more responsive than they are demanding. They are nontraditional and lenient, do not require mature behavior, allow considerable self-regulation, and avoid confrontation. These parents rarely discipline their children because they have relative low expectations of mature and self-control. Permissive parenting often results in children who rank low in happiness and self-regulation. These children are more likely to experience problems with authority and tend to perform poorly in school.

  

        4. Uninvolved Parenting – using Exceptions of maturity and control (Rarry)

The youngest brother, Rarry has no interest in life. One day, he returned home with the half-breed black son, Alex. Besides, he demands lots of money to his father consistently for for gamble. 

Uninvolved parents (also referred to as “Neglected”) are low in both responsiveness and demandingness. In extreme cases, this parenting style might encompass both rejecting–neglecting and neglectful parents, although most parents of this type fall within the normal range. While these parents fulfill the child's basic needs, they are generally detached from their child's life. In extreme cases, these parents may even reject or neglect the needs of their children. Uninvolved parenting styles rank lowest across all life domains. These children tend to lack self-control, have low self-esteem and are less competent than their peers.

 If so, why do parenting styles differ? Why all parents simply don’t utilize an authoritative parenting style? There are some potential reasons of these differences include culture, relationship between parents, family size, parenting background, educational level, religion, personality, socioeconomic status, and etc. Why some parents have different parenting styles between the position of a mother and a father? In order to create a cohesive approach to parenting, it is essential that parents learn to cooperate as they combine various elements of their unique parenting styles.