Introduction
Parenting is a multifaceted journey that comes with a unique set of challenges and joys at every stage of a child's development. This case study focuses on a nuclear family consisting of two parents, Sarah and Mike, and their two children: Emily, a nine-year-old girl, and Ethan, a five-year-old boy. It aims to explore specific parenting concerns they face, including behavioral issues, academic struggles, and sibling rivalry, and how they navigate these challenges using various parenting strategies.
Family Background
Sarah, a 36-year-old elementary school teacher, and Mike, a 38-year-old software engineer, live in an urban setting with a diverse community. Both parents are highly involved in their children's lives and emphasize a balanced approach to parenting, which includes discipline, education, and nurturing. Despite their efforts, they found themselves facing numerous challenges that had begun to create stress within the family dynamics.
Identifying the Concerns
Behavioral Issues
As Emily entered the fourth grade, her teachers began to report behavioral issues. She exhibited signs of defiance, often refusing to complete her assignments and arguing with authority figures. Emily’s teachers described her as smart but unmotivated, Baby sleep resources