July Blog Summary

Great discussion for this month's blog!

Pertaining to question 1, everyone had pretty similar thoughts. Many possible behaviors authoritative parents exhibit during mealtimes were pointed out. Throughout everyone's posts, there was the common thread that authoritative parents choose to communicate and bond during mealtimes. Liz mentioned that these types of parents most likely show their children respect, as well as take interest in their children’s lives during family meals, and through their frequency. Rose brought up the notion that authoritative parents have probably found a balance between being a friend to their children and being a parent. Melanie thought that through frequent family meal, authoritative parents exhibit consistency, and probably instill good manners in their children. Bethany pointed out that authoritative parents may use mealtimes as an opportunity for their children to open up and vent, as well as that their meals are probably more often healthier and homemade.

Other behaviors of authoritative parents that were mentioned were establishing a sense of accountability, as well as establishing a trustworthy, friendly and fair environment using mealtimes. Mealtimes with authoritative parents may be used to discuss issues and check-in with their children. Authoritative parents may set higher standards for mealtimes and in general daily life. Lastly, authoritative parents are more traditional and less likely to allow distractions, such as media, during mealtimes.

In response to question 2, everyone’s answers differed a little, and many good thoughts were put out there. Several of you agreed that teenagers might not be the most reliable source of information due to the fact that their responses could differ greatly based on recent happenings/arguments with their parents. Some of you thought that the results of the study would not differ significantly if parents were also surveyed, because kids are very honest and likely to respond honestly. On the other hand, some of you were certain that the results would differ significantly because parents are more credible. The point was also made that parents might skew the truth with their answers in order to look like a better parent. Someone also mentioned that teenagers might exaggerate the expectations or “demandingness” of their parents, because most teenagers feel that their parent’s rules are too strict. All in all, the conclusion was made that this study has room for improvement with its sample, but the results were to be expected regardless: authoritative parents elicit increased family meal frequency.

From the sound of everyone’s responses, I think question 3 was a little tricky! Sorry ladies :) Some of you agreed that these results could arise from the idea that children have an innate need to bond and establish a relationship with their opposite sex parent. The point was also made that this could result from many children living in a single parent home. Bethany also mentioned that children may have responded in a certain manner based on intimidation by their opposite sex parent. The fact that many parents work odd hours, especially during meal times could have also played a part. Overall, there was a sense of uncertainty as to why this happened, and that it may have only been a “significant coincidence.” That just gives the researchers another avenue to explore!

Great job this month!