Title: Distinguish among guidance, discipline, and punishment.
Course: Child Development and Parenting (19255-18) > Section: Evaluating Parenting Practices that Maximize Human Growth and Development

Distinction should reflect the following definitions:

- guidance–providing standards or principles by which to make judgments or plan a course of action
- discipline–imposing training/teaching strategies from which to develop self-control and character
- punishment–imposing pain, loss, or shame as a consequence of wrongdoing.

Process/Skill Questions

Thinking

- Why should parents be aware of the differences between guidance, discipline, and punishment?
- What parenting styles are associated with guidance, discipline, and punishment?
- When should a child be punished?

Communication

- What is the role of communication in guidance, discipline, and punishment?
- What messages do parents send to children when they provide guidance? Discipline? Punishment?
- Why do parents need information about developmental needs in order to provide guidance?
- How does culture influence parenting style?

Leadership

- What are the cultural, moral, and ethical components of guidance, discipline, and punishment?
- What is the effect on society of a parent's excess use of punishment (abuse) or lack of guidance (neglect)?
- What resources are available to help children who are suffering abuse or neglect?
- What is the teacher or caregiver’s role in reporting abuse or neglect?

Management

- What sources of information or assistance on guidance, discipline, and punishment are available for parents?
- When should parents make decisions about guiding their child? What can happen if these decisions are not made until the child experiences a crisis in behavior?