Question

As a parent what power do you have over your children (legitimate, coercive or reward, etc.) How do you employ them? And what is the least effective?

Answer 1

As a parent, The powers which I generally use over my children are;

Expert power: This is the power which generally all parents have.i.e parents have more knowledge and experience than their children by which they can guide their children about what is right and what is wrong.

I have good command over maths, and my child always take my helps and clear his doubt in maths as I have more knowledge in maths subject as compared to my child.

Legitimate power: it's the power which shows responsibility of an individual towards other.

I returned from my office and got tired. My son came and asked me about maths problem as next day have the ex-am of maths subject. In that case I have to show responsibility towards my child education and will teach him.

Reward power:It refers to the power by which a parent rewards their Children on their good deeds and this which motivated them to improve further.

I had gifted my children a cycle after getting 82%in his final ex-am. I told him ,if he score 90% in next class ex-ams, I will gift him a smartphone. This will motivate him to make improvements in himself.

Coercive power:This power is just apposite to reward power in which parent scold their children in case of wrong deeds by their children or of they are upset

This power is sometimes prove to be effective but there is more chances of having adverse effects on children mind and their performances.