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About This Quiz
Parenting is a neverending job that comes with its own unique demands. When times get tough, it's easy to fall into counterproductive habits. Take our quiz to see if you recognize any of these bad parenting behaviors.
What happens when parents don't follow through on disciplinary actions for their kids?
The child might think his behavior is acceptable.
The child might think his parent is unreliable.
neither of the above
both of the above
When parents don't follow through on discipline, their children might consider them as unreliable since they're not doing what they say they will -- and it can lead to kids thinking their behavior is ok if they're not punished for misbehaving.
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What do psychologists say about the practice of constantly yelling at a child?
It's an effective behavior modification technique.
It's a form of abuse.
Constant yelling is a form of emotional abuse that can harm a child's mental health.
It's a harmless way to get the kid's attention.
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In the parenting context, what are limits?
Negative factors in a child's life.
Useful behavior guidelines for a child.
Limits are parental expectations and behavior guidelines that promote children's safety and healthy growth.
Constraints that keep a child from learning.
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What happens when parents don't establish limits?
Kids have more fun.
Kids have more opportunities for learning.
Kids feel insecure.
Children who live without limits feel insecure. The may deliberately misbehave in an effort to find limits or someone who cares enough to set and enforce limits.
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Limits for children's behavior should be ___.
few and clear
Behavioral limits should cover a few important issues and be communicated to the child in a clear and simple manner.
cover every aspect of life
written in stone
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What should guide parents as they determine limits for their children?
Limits should never change.
Limits should stretch with the child.
As children grow, limits should stretch to accommodate their growing abilities and sense of responsibility.
Limits should be the same as all the other parents' limits.
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What happens when parents use bribery to get children to behave?
It will backfire.
Bribes may work at first, but eventually children demand bigger and bigger rewards for doing what they should be doing anyway.
It works every time.
It teaches responsible behavior.
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Should parents negotiate with children on every issue?
Yes, negotiation is always a good idea.
Yes, negotiation is necessary for household harmony.
No, negotiation isn't always necessary.
Including kids' input is ok for some issues, but for unreasonable demands and safety issues, a firm "no" is the appropriate response.
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When it comes to chores, parents should ___.
assign some simple tasks to their preschoolers
Simple chores help preschool children learn to work as part of the family group.
spare kids the extra work
let kids get away with ignoring their assigned responsibilities
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What is the likely outcome if parents negatively compare their child to another child?
The child will shape up and behave properly.
The child learns to identify role models for acceptable behavior.
The child may feel depressed and have low self-esteem.
Negative comparisons and public criticism are forms of verbal abuse that can lead to depression, low self-esteem and feelings of betrayal.
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How can parents avoid making negative comparisons between children?
They should focus on the good points of each child.
Parents should identify and appreciate the unique strengths and abilities of each child.
They should treat all their children exactly the same.
They should just have one child.
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What is the best practice if a parent must vent about his or her child's behavior?
Use code words and phrases.
Talk to a trusted friend away from the child.
Discuss the issue with a trusted confidant when your child isn't around to possibly overhear the conversation. Kids aren't fooled by code words.
Blog about it.
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Why do some parents buy their kids everything they want?
They want to make their child happy.
They feel guilty about something.
both of the above
Parents overindulge children because they believe material things will make their child happy and perhaps they're trying to assuage guilt over a sensitive issue.
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How should parents help when a child has a project to do?
Take over because they can do it better than the kid.
Hang around and give advice.
Stand back, stay quiet and let the child learn by doing.
Parents need to recognize that it's the kid's turn to learn by doing the work solo. Offer support and encouragement, but otherwise stay out of the way.
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What happens when parents sign kids up for too many activities?
The child can become stressed from doing too much.
Overscheduled kids experience stress that can have both physical and emotional effects. They may have stomachaches and headaches and lose interest in school and favorite activities.
The constant activity keeps the child out of trouble.
Parents get to experience activities they didn't get to do as a child.
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When a child has a problem, what should parents do to help resolve it?
Explain how the parent handled similar situations as a child.
Solve the problem for the child.
Listen to the child and encourage him or her to brainstorm possible solutions.
Listening and coaching a child through problem-solving strategies helps kids learn to make good decisions.
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What happens when parents who try to be their child's best friend?
They lose their authority.
Parents can't be a friend and tell kids what they can and can't do at the same time. When parents try to be a pal, they lose their authority.
They're the coolest parents on the block.
They raise the best kids.
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What do standing over a child, yelling and finger-pointing accomplish?
They show the child that the parent is paying attention.
They intimidate the child.
These actions are intimidating and demeaning to both children and adults, and they close down communication.
They achieve effective discipline.
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Why do parents fail to follow through on disciplinary actions?
Parents don't really want to punish their kids.
Because parents don't really want to punish their kids, they keep extending warnings instead of taking disciplinary action.
The infraction wasn't really that bad.
They forgot the kid misbehaved.
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What should parents do when a growing child demands more freedom and fewer limits?
Drop all limits.
Ask the child to explain why he or she wants looser rules.
Parents should listen to their child's reasons for wanting more freedom and discuss options for establishing expanded boundaries.
Laugh and tell the child to forget it.
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You Got:
/20
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