Question

In this discussion, you will focus on cultural influence and compare the major developmental theories you have become familiar with from readings and content. This post should be 250-325 words total!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KEEP THE WORDING SIMPLE AND UNPROFESSIONAL

Part 1 (150-200 words)

In your discussion, tell us about an important cultural influence in your life. How has this influence affected your development? How might you think/act/behave differently if you had not been exposed to this influence?

Part 2:

Then, compose thoughtful answers to one of the following "developmental difficulties" in 100-125 words. Explain how you would use your understanding of one of the major theories of development (focusing particularly on Piaget and Erikson) to deal with each of the "difficulties" listed below.

A well-intentioned, but meddling, relative comes to visit the weekend before your child's first birthday, in April. She cautions you that you must be spoiling the child, because he hides behind your leg and clings to you when she tries to give him a hug, and he did not do this when she visited at New Year's. How will you explain what is happening with your child?

Your eight-year-old son is failing math; all he cares about is baseball.

Your teenager has decided not to attend college in favor of joining the stage crew for a touring rock band.

Your sixty-eight-year-old neighbor is chronically depressed, feeling that she has wasted her life.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
### Part 1: Cultural Influence in My Life

One important cultural influence in my life has been my family's emphasis on community and togetherness. Growing up, I spent a lot of time with extended family, celebrating holidays and special events together. This focus on family has taught me the value of relationships, empathy, and staying connected. It's made me more supportive and caring towards others. If I hadn’t been exposed to this influence, I might have been more independent and less likely to rely on or reach out to my loved ones for help. I might have also struggled with understanding the importance of teamwork and community support in achieving goals. Overall, this cultural influence has shaped me into someone who values connections and places importance on family and friendships.

### Part 2: Addressing Child Development Difficulty

When a relative thinks my child is being spoiled because he clings to me, I would explain that this behavior is normal at his age. According to Erikson's stages of development, my child is in the stage of "autonomy vs. shame and doubt." He is learning to feel secure and confident, and he may seek comfort from me as he explores the world. I would also mention Piaget’s theory, noting that he’s in the preoperational stage, where he is developing skills to express emotions but still needs reassurance. I’d tell her that clinging is a natural way for toddlers to seek support as they learn to interact with new people and situations. It’s part of his development and does not mean I am spoiling him.