4.4 Children and Parenting
Parenting Styles & Approaches:
- Authoritative parenting (n.) – Balanced discipline and support
Example: “Authoritative parenting is linked to better child development outcomes.” - Overprotective parents (n.) – Too cautious and controlling
Example: “Overprotective parents may limit a child’s independence.” - Helicopter parenting (n.) – Constant supervision
Example: “Helicopter parenting can cause stress in teenagers.” - Single parent (n.) – A parent raising a child alone
Example: “Single parents often face financial challenges.” - Working parents (n.) – Parents with jobs outside home
Example: “Working parents may struggle with work-life balance.”
Child Development & Behavior:
- Early childhood (n.) – The first few years of life
Example: “Early childhood education is essential.” - Temper tantrum (n.) – Sudden anger in children
Example: “Parents must handle temper tantrums calmly.” - Peer pressure (n.) – Influence from friends
Example: “Teenagers often give in to peer pressure.” - Rebellious phase (n.) – Period of disobedience
Example: “Many adolescents go through a rebellious phase.” - Positive reinforcement (n.) – Rewarding good behavior
Example: “Positive reinforcement encourages children to repeat good actions.”
2. Essential Children & Parenting Collocations
Verb + Noun:
- Set boundaries
“Parents should set clear boundaries for their children.” - Discipline a child
“It’s important to discipline a child fairly.” - Nurture creativity
“Teachers help nurture creativity in young learners.” - Enforce rules
“Parents must enforce rules consistently.” - Raise a family
“Raising a family requires patience and financial stability.”
Adjective + Noun:
- Strict parents
“Strict parents may prevent risky behavior but limit freedom.” - Spoiled child
“A spoiled child expects everything to be handed to them.” - Well-behaved child
“Everyone appreciates a well-behaved child in public places.” - Parental responsibility
“Providing emotional support is a key parental responsibility.” - Moral values
“Parents should teach children moral values.”
3. Children & Parenting Phrasal Verbs
- Bring up – Raise a child
“She was brought up by her grandparents.” - Grow up – Mature or become an adult
“Children grow up so quickly.” - Tell off – Scold
“My parents used to tell me off for not doing homework.” - Look after – Care for
“Older siblings often look after the younger ones.” - Get along (with) – Have a good relationship
“Siblings don’t always get along with each other.”
4. Children & Parenting Compound Words
- Childcare center (n.) – Facility caring for children
Example: “Many working parents rely on childcare centers.”* - Parenting skills (n.) – Abilities needed to raise children
Example: “Parenting skills can be learned through experience and courses.”* - Role model (n.) – Someone children imitate
Example: “Parents are often the first role models for kids.”* - Family values (n.) – Principles important to a family
Example: “Strong family values shape a child’s character.”* - Household chores (n.) – Daily tasks at home
Example: “Children should help with household chores.”*
5. Children & Parenting Idioms
- Spare the rod and spoil the child – Without discipline, children will become spoiled
“Some believe in ‘spare the rod and spoil the child,’ but others disagree.” - Like father, like son – Children resemble their parents
“He’s good at math — like father, like son.” - The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – Children inherit traits from parents
“She loves music just like her mother — the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” - Rule the roost – Be in control
“In some families, children rule the roost.” - Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth – Born into wealth
“Not all children are born with a silver spoon in their mouth.”
6. IELTS Speaking Examples
Part 1 Example:
“I grew up in a household where both parents worked full-time. My mother always encouraged me to be independent, while my father focused on teaching me discipline and moral values.”
Part 3 Example:
“Parenting styles have changed significantly in recent decades. While strict discipline was common in the past, today there is a greater focus on positive reinforcement and open communication. I believe a balanced approach is most effective in raising well-rounded individuals.”
7. Writing Task 2 Vocabulary Boosters
Problem:
“Children today often lack discipline and respect for authority.”
Solution:
“Parents and schools should work together to instill moral values and set clear boundaries for children.”
Advantage:
“Effective parenting helps raise responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.”