The results of a new global report released today by the OREO brand and Ipsos Public Affairs indicate that from China to Poland and Portugal to Venezuela, the spirit of childhood – that is, the chance for children and adults alike to enjoy simple, carefree moments – may be destined for the endangered species list. The report reveals that the vast majority of parents surveyed believe today’s kids are growing up quicker than previous generations. In fact, seven out of 10 parents worldwide say their children should have more time to ‘just be kids.’

The idea that the spirit of childhood is on the decline is true not only for kids, but also adults. Parents everywhere yearn for the type of lighthearted enjoyment they had when they were kids. In fact, a majority of parents worldwide (59%) say they don’t have fun on a daily basis and 54 percent say they rarely experience the feelings of delight they did when they were children.

The “Global Spirit of Childhood Report,” conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of OREO, measured the spirit of childhood around the world in an effort to understand if people, both young and old, take the time to experience the simple joys of being a kid.

“As we regularly talk with consumers worldwide, we consistently hear about the importance of experiencing the carefree feelings of childhood at any age,” said Sheeba Philip, Global Brand Director for OREO. “We believe this sentiment is more important now than ever before, so we conducted this research to learn more about the spirit of childhood worldwide.” [continue reading…]

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Older people feel that their health problems pose a challenge to their sense of independence, dignity and identity and sometimes the health care they are given makes things worse.

According to research funded by UK Research Councils’ New Dynamics of Ageing programme (NDA), healthcare providers must avoid taking a ‘blanket view’ of how to help older people cope with the ageing process.

The study carried out by Dr Liz Lloyd and her colleagues found that people were often surprised by the impact that illness and growing old had on their lives. Their sense of ‘self’ was affected by the limitations imposed by their age and illnesses. “Growing old and coming to terms with illnesses is complex and demanding at times – physically, mentally and emotionally,” Dr Lloyd said. “When health goes, it can come as quite a shock.”

The research shows that older people work hard at maintaining their health and independence, while coming to terms with becoming dependent on others. The participants’ views show how, with the struggle to maintain day-to-day activities, their dignity can quickly and easily be lost. One participant, Mary, told researchers:

“Inside I feel as though I ought to be able to do things. But I’m not and it’s hard to accept.”

While some were positive about making changes, others found it harder to adjust their day-to-day routines. All participants made great efforts to find new activities or adapt old ones. For example several learnt to use computers and others took art classes at day centres. All tried to maintain their health in a variety of ways.

Dr Lloyd believes the research shows there are significant differences in the way that people define dignity and independence, and that these are influenced by their relationships, abilities and  life experiences. She states, ”

You can’t impose a blanket view of what dignified care is. Of course, there are certain standards that should apply in all circumstances but enhancing dignity needs a lot more than guaranteeing minimum standards.”

“In old age when your health fails, it affects your sense of self. Understanding that from an older person’s perspective is crucially important. Care and support can enhance dignity or it can worsen the loss of it if not given in the right way.  Good support is essential in terms of how people make the adjustments they need to make.”

Dr Lloyd highlights that the relationship between dignity, identity and independence is complex. “Loss of independence involves a change in your identity and is a challenge to your dignity,” she states. “It is through the support of others that individuals are able to rebuild their sense of identity in their changed circumstances.”

Support and care need to be responsive to what people are going through and to see things from the perspective of the person on the receiving end of care. “Older people are going through enormous changes and the people who are helping them need to be aware of these.”
Source: Economic and Social Research Council

Image: Creative Commons dr_XeNo

Authoritarian parents whose child-rearing style can be summed up as “it’s my way or the highway” are more likely to raise disrespectful, delinquent children who do not see them as legitimate authority figures than authoritative parents who listen to their children and gain their respect and trust, according to new research from the University of New Hampshire.

“When children consider their parents to be legitimate authority figures, they trust the parent and feel they have an obligation to do what their parents tell them to do. This is an important attribute for any authority figure to possess, as the parent does not have to rely on a system of rewards and punishments to control behavior, and the child is more likely to follow the rules when the parent is not physically present,” said Rick Trinkner, a doctoral candidate at UNH and the lead researcher.
This is the first study to look at whether parenting styles influence adolescents’ beliefs about the legitimacy of parent authority and if those perceptions affect delinquent behavior. The results are presented in the February issue of the Journal of Adolescence in the article “Don’t trust anyone over 30: Parental legitimacy as a mediator between parenting style and changes in delinquent behavior over time.”

The research was conducted by UNH researchers Trinkner; Ellen Cohn, professor of psychology; Cesar Rebellon, associate professor of sociology; and Karen Van Gundy, associate professor of sociology.

The researchers relied on data from the New Hampshire Youth Study, an ongoing, longitudinal survey of middle school and high school students examining the psychological, sociological, developmental, and legal factors that influence adolescent delinquency. Analyses reported are based on data collected over an 18-month period beginning in the fall of 2007.

“While it is generally agreed that authoritative parenting is more effective than authoritarian and permissive styles, little is known about why some parenting styles are more efficient than others. Our results showed that parental legitimacy was an important mechanism by which parenting styles affected adolescent behavior,” Trinkner said.

The researchers evaluated three parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive.
Authoritative parents are both demanding and controlling, but they are also warm and receptive to their children’s needs. They are receptive to bidirectional communication in that they explain to their children why they have established rules and also listen to their children’s opinions about those rules. Children of authoritative parents tend to be self-reliant, self-controlled, and content.

On the other hand, authoritarian parents are demanding and highly controlling, but detached and unreceptive to their children’s needs. These parents support unilateral communication where they establish rules without explanation and expect them to be obeyed without complaint or question. Authoritarian parenting produces children who are discontent, withdrawn, and distrustful.

Finally, in contrast to authoritarian parenting, permissive parents are nondemanding and noncontrolling. They tend to be warm and receptive to their children’s needs, but place few boundaries on their children. If they do establish rules, they rarely enforce them to any great extent. These parents tend to produce children who are the least self-reliant, explorative, and self-controlled out of all the parenting styles.

“The style that parents used to rear their children had a direct influence on whether those children perceived their parents as legitimate authority figures. Adolescents who perceived parents as legitimate were then less likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Thus, authoritative parenting may be more effective than the other styles because this style makes adolescents more willing to accept their parents’ attempts to socialize them and subsequently follow their rules,” Trinkner said.

“Conversely, authoritarian parents have the opposite effect in that they actually reduce the likelihood of their children perceiving their authority as legitimate. Adolescents from authoritarian parents are more likely to resist their parents’ attempts at socialization,” he said.

While the children of permissive parents were less likely to respect their parents as authority figures, the researchers found they were no more or no less likely to engage in delinquent behavior.
According to the researchers, the results show that fostering and creating parental legitimacy is one technique for parents to exert control over their children. Additionally, parents are more likely to be viewed as legitimate authorities if they utilize authoritative parenting practices rather than authoritarian or permissive practices, which tend to undermine parental authority.

“Our data offer further evidence that authoritative parenting is an effective way for parents to successfully socialize their children and that its influence works largely through its effect on youth perceptions of parental legitimacy,” Trinkner said.

Source:The University of New Hampshire