Which Animal Do You Parent Like?

1. Your 10 year-old daughter tells you she REALLY wants a dog. You only have 2 cats right now. She's pretty responsible, but then again, she's only 10. What do you say?

I'm sorry, but you're only 10. You need to wait a little bit before you can have a dog. I need you to prove to me that you're mature enough.

You say Ok. Hopefully, this dog will teach her responsibility, and training it will teach her important skills.

You say Ok, but you realize it will mostly be you taking care of the dog. You're fine with that, as long as the dog is a good companion for your daughter.

Of course! This is the whole reason you make the money you make! To make her happy! You talk to her about the importance of taking care of a dog and tell her you can get it.

You tell her to REALLY think about it. Getting a dog is like getting another a family member. You talk with her about the different chores and duties of taking care of a dog, and work out what she would have to do and what you would have to do.

No. We can't get a dog. Why? Because I said so.

2. It's finally time! Your kid is ready to go off to college! They're moving out! How do you feel?

I'm so proud of them, I can't believe they are so grown-up.

I'm probably bawling my eyes out with sadness and will be consumed with worry as soon as they leave.

They are finally all grown up! Wow! I feel a little worried but I know they are ready.

I know they'll be fine. I've packed everything they need, and made sure they got the best dorm. I wipe a single tear from my cheek at the thought of saying goodbye.

I make them promise to stop by my place at Christmas and Thanksgiving. And call me every month. I'm going to miss them, but they are ready.

Great. I'm so happy for them! Glad they finally grew up and can get out of my house.

3. You take your 5 year-old to the park to have some fun. What are you doing while they play?

I'm near but not too close. If they need my help they can get it, but I'm not going to hold their hand.

Encouraging them sometimes, but mostly doing my own thing. Maybe reading a book or newspaper? Chatting with the other parents around?

Asking them if they want any help or anything. I brought a couple of extra toys with me from home just in case they want them.

I keep an eye on them, but they can play where they want. I make sure they don't go anywhere they could get hurt.

Watching VERY closely. I've heard about kids that have fallen and cracked their heads open. I want to make sure that would never happen to my kid. I'm not a careless parent.

I don't know. I probably have no idea where my kid is and they probably have no idea where I am.

4. You believe in third chances.

True

False

5. You believe that kids must take risks to grow and develop.

True

False

6. It is essential that your kid be able to think on their feet.

True

False

7. You have a full-time job.

True

False

8. Family comes first.

True

False

9. Your 15 year-old son is invited to a party his friends are throwing. It looks like a bigger party, and he informs you there will be a couple girls that are friends there. What do you say?

Maybe, but you have to be home by 8:00 and I'm going to call you in the middle to check up on you. If I hear about there being any alcohol or drugs at this party, you are NEVER going to ANY party EVER again. Do you understand me?

I'm sorry sweetie. I'm not too sure about that. It seems kind of dangerous. What if there is alcohol or drugs at this party? I think it would be better if you stayed home.

Sure. Sounds good. Text me when you get done. You be careful ok? Don't be stupid.

Ok. You can go if you can get a ride with someone. I have to work late that night. Make sure to be careful and if you need anything just text me Ok?

OK. You can go, but I want to drive you there to make you'll be safe.

Yeah. Whatever.

10. You get home from work, and see that one of the chores you told your 8 year-old kid to do isn't done. This is the second time this has happened in the last 2 weeks. What do you do?

They are growing up, they should know how to do this by now. I should have to tell them over and over. They should get a privilege taken away until they p[rove they are ready.

Its ok to forget sometimes. I'll just go do it myself and remind them more next time.

I'll go talk to them about it and ask them if there was anything they forgot. Then I'll see if they just didn't want to do it or if they actually forgot.

Go talk to them about how important it is that they contribute to the family. You're working hard for them. They have to show some effort too.

Talk to them about it to see why they didn't do it. Then make them go do it. Tell them that if it keeps happening, there will be consequences.

Chores? I would never have told my kid to do chores.

11. How often does your family play games together or have other family events?

All the time! Family bonding is essential.

I will if my kid wants to, but we don't force anybody to play games.

We don't really have time for games. I wish we did, but our lives are just too busy.

Games and "activities" are a waste of time. There are lots of other important thing to do.

Yeah. Our family is everything. We eat meals together, hang-out together. The best part of the year is when the extended family comes over and we play LOTS of games.

We never play games together. Do we even have any game?