1. Communication: Parents and Children
Presentation by: Pang Xiong
Course: Speech + Communication

2. What is communication?
Communication is the process by which we use signs, symbols,
and behaviors to exchange information and create meaning (Floyd pg. 2)

3. Types of Communication
There are FIVE TYPES OF COMMUNICATION!!!
INTRAPERSONAL: conversations in your mind
INTERPERSONAL: between 2 people (research shows this is the most commonly used form)
SMALL GROUP: engaging with about 3-20 people
PUBLIC: speaking/writing to an audience larger than a small group
MASS: transmitted by media i.e. magazines, radio, newspapers, blogs, radio, websites
Floyd pg. 14

4. How is communication related to Parents and Children?
Communication meets relationship needs which are…
essential elements we look for in relationships with other people like… companionship, affection, relaxation, and escape.
Having a rich social life is one of the most powerful predictors of overall happiness
(Floyd pg. 2)

5. Types of Parent-Child Relationship
Researchers found at least four attachment categories which describes the relationship a child has with his or her parents
1. Secure relationships (the strongest type)
Child feels he can depend on his parent or
provider and knows that person will be there
when he needs support – knows what to expect
2. Avoidant relationships
Child has learned that depending on parents
won’t get them that secure feeling they want,
so they learn to take care of themselves.
3. Ambivalent relationships
Child has learned that sometimes their needs are
met, and sometimes they are not, seeking for
the feeling of security they sometimes receive.
4. Disorganized relationships
Child does not know what to expect from their
parents. They’ve learned that doing certain
things will make their parents do certain things.
(Purdue University)

6. Avoidant Relationship
Parent-Child Relationship continued…
Some characteristics children have in each type of relationship
Secure Relationship
•plays well with other children his age. •may cry when his mother leaves.
•will usually settle down if a friendly adult is there to comfort him. •When parents pick him up from childcare, usually very happy to see them.
Avoidant Relationship
•seem too independent. •often does not ask for help, but gets frustrated easily. •may have difficulty playing with other children their age. •Biting, hitting, pushing, and screaming more common •may be aggressive at times. •don’t complain when the parents leave them, and usually doesn’t greet parents upon return •seem to try to care for themselves.
(Purdue University)

7. Disorganized Relationship Ambivalent Relationship
Characteristics continue…
Disorganized Relationship
•does things that seem to make no sense. •sometimes speak really fast and will be hard to understand. •very young children might freeze in their footsteps for no apparent reason. • may have a hard time understanding feelings of other children. •children playing with dolls might act out scenes that are confusing and scary. •may be very hard to understand
• may seem very different from day to day.
Ambivalent Relationship
•often cry, get frustrated easily •act younger than they really are and may seem over-emotional. •love to be the center of attention. •often very clingy. •get upset if people aren’t paying attention to them • have a hard time doing things on their own. •latch onto everyone for short periods of time. •hard time letting parents go at the beginning of the day, • crying may last a long time.
(Purdue University)

8. What happens when there is
lack of communication?
1. Family Communication affects adolescents
identity formation and role-taking ability (Barnes and Olson)
2. Academic Struggle
3. Self-Esteem may drop
4. Change in Values
5. Behavioral issues
6. Self -doubt
and many more…

9. biggest influence on their children.
Parents are the single
biggest influence on their children.
As a parent, you’re the a teacher, provider, protector,
support system and so much more, all wrapped into one.
(MLCC)

10. C O N C L U S I O N
Toddlers, adolescents, teens, and even adult children
view their parents as role models.
There will be days when parents cannot mentally, emotionally, and physically take it all, BUT if you do not give and show your children the essential elements in relationship needs there are more negative consequences then expected. Some days tend to be better than others. Keep in mind the key to a successful and healthy family – communication & involvement.

11. Works Cited
Be the Influence. Parents. Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) and Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM), Web. July 10, 2012 <
Floyd, Kory. Communication Matters. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, Print.
Howard L. Barnes and David H. Olson Child Development Vol. 56, No. 2, pp Family Development and the Child, Blackwell Publishing. April, Web. July 10, <
Lynette C. Magaña,Judith A. Myers-Walls, and Dee Love. Provider- Parent Partnership. Different Types of Parent-Child Relationships. Purdue University – Web. July 10, <

12. images

13. Images continued…