Parents Influence Essay, Research Paper
The way in which a child is raised has a definite influence on the lifestyle the person will once live. Religion, mores, values and common etiquettes are all passed on from generation to generation. A result of good values and mores to a child may result in a successful lifestyle, possible filled with expensive material objects, often living a lavish life. However, Terri D. Heath is not concerned with these results. In his article, “Parents’ Socialization of Children in Global Perspectives” the concentration is more on personal feelings a child has, as he grows into an adult. In other words, Heath believes that a good influence on a child will give them good self esteem, a happier outlook, and the ability to be social. The point Heath is trying to get across is that parents do affect children heavily, especially in their formative years. Parents are a powerful influence, and with a good foundation children can live a satisfying life.
Through many examples Heath shows worldwide proof that parents are the effectors on their children’s life. Some of the examples are quite interesting because different international societies are represented. An example of this is in Hong Kong where there is a large emphasis to succeed, in the home, at school and with others. Hong Kong adapts much belief from the Chinese who value this same idea. In both cultures families are very important priorities. In this situation children who are more connected with their parents seem to be more pressured for successfulness. As a result those most oriented with their families are most satisfied with their overall lifestyle.
Heath uses another example of Iranians that were researched. The result of this experiment concludes that those who felt dissatisfied with their childhood and parents, experienced more loneliness, anxiety, and overall unhappiness compared to those who had a satisfying childhood.
In Canada a study was done on the alcohol consumption of eleventh and twelfth graders. The experiment was divided into three groups, those who drank with their parents, those who drank with parents and peers and those who only drank with peers, which resulted in the most consumption. Those who only drank with their parents, resulted far less consumption than those who drank only with peers. In this case it is shown that those who drank with their family were more responsible consumers of alcohol.
In Puerto Rico a study concludes children need to feel closeness and intimacy in their childhood in order to have a satisfying life. The study was taken from children of mentally ill or alcohol dependent parents. Those exposed tend to be involved in more dysfunctional events and/or, stressful lifestyles. In many cases the child develops problems most like the ones of the ill parent.
I feel that a child dealing with an alcoholic parent has much negative influence on them. All of my life I have visited my aunts home and spent time with my cousins. However it was not untill recently, in the last couple years, I realized my aunt has a serious problem with alcohol. It was then that the whole picture came to me. Each of my aunt’s children has a learning disability as well as esteem issues. The oldest has failed two grades. The middle child continuously lies for attention at the age of fourteen. The youngest, only four is very shy, and hardly speaks to anyone but her immediate family. It is unfortunate but each of these children are faced with an unhappy lifestyle, because of a mother who does not take much time participating in her children’s lives. Each of my cousins is affected slightly different, however each has to deal with an unstable mother who no doubt is a big influence on their lives.
In conclusion it is obvious that parents are a prime source of ones future. The betterment of every person’s lives depends on their childhood and experiences from their parents. In all cases those children who have good relationships with their parents in a good environment are more satisfied with their adult lives. Heath uses excellent international examples on how parent’s involvement can alter ones future.