Introduction

One Tree Hill is a teen-driven drama that first aired September 23, 2002 up until April 4,
2012. While following nine seasons this show sets in a fictional small town of Tree Hill, NC other
known as Wilmington, NC. Where it deals with an important character; Brooke Davis, who is a
popular and pretty high school cheerleader. She was known to be slutty and attention seeking. I
believe she is like this because of her parents. They allowed her to do whatever she pleased and
simply did not care about her. Because of her parents Brooke did learn independance but lacked
valuable fundamentals like structure, reliability and responsibility that are crucial for children to
learn. I have always had the type of parents to tell me what was right or wrong and was always
there for me, without them I would not be who I am today. Parents have so much of an impact on
children nowadays especially in their childhood that is key during their development into an adult.
Balancing structure and discipline while giving independence is important for children. While
children are taught what is right and wrong from their parents allowing them independence helps
them gain first hand knowledge, enhances self esteem, prepares them to handle stress, and allows
them to choose what makes them happy.
In my research I intend to discuss and observe the issue of parenting and what may or may
not be ideal for children during their development. This is an important subject to me because I
have seen the effects of bad parenting. My good friend has had it rough her whole life, her parents
were never around and she was left to fend for herself, similar to Brooke. As I have always had
parents there for me I can see how it has really affected my friend as she is entering adulthood.
Throughout my studies I have found that parents question how they should raise their children,
some say children need discipline constantly while others say letting them do things on their own is
better for them. In my study I will discuss the importance of both these types of parenting styles
and discuss how each one play a crucial role in a child's development.

V.
Literature Review
One Tree Hills character Brooke Davis provides us with key examples of children
affected by inadequate parenting while resulting in a positive effect from Brookes negligent
parents. Hands on and Hands off parenting styles are both completely different in so many ways.
Some parents are all for hands on and some are completely hands off. In the realization both are
completely equal and very essential. Children need structure and guidance just as much as they
need independance while growing up. Brooke learned independance but lacked structure that
was visible for all viewers.

Powell (2012) and Pao (2015) argue the importance of discipline and the affects it has on
teenagers as they are growing up. Structure and discipline are not only beneficial in a child's
development, but teens have agreed they believe structure has helped them throughout their life.
Holding a child accountable for their actions not only prepares them for future task but teaches
responsibility. Hefron (2016) agreeing with Powell and Pao in their terms of discipline and
structure as a pivotal role as a parent suggests I think that Brooke's parents had a negative
influence on her in highschool, which resulted in her sleeping around getting that attention and
nurture from someone since her parents were not giving it to her As they agree they also explain
their studies differently. Powell and Hefron suggest discipline and guidance is essential in order
for their children to become successful. Pao explains how surveys have concluded both children
and adults agree discipline has helped them prepare for the future.
Author and self-proclaimed renegade parent Heather Shumaker (2016) explains how
independence is key and encourages renegade parenting, a parenting style that many parents
don't like to discus. Mckegney (2016) agrees with Shumaker that She was always left alone and
had to figure things out by herself. She did not have much support and care for her. Somehow
this made her who she is, she is someone who is very independent and does not like to ask for
help. They both explain independence helps a child to gain first hand knowledge, enhances self
esteem, prepares them to handle stress, and allows them to choose what makes them happy.
Being independent is not allowing leniency but encouraging children to figure themselves out
without the influence from their parents. Many parents get uncomfortable with this type of
parenting and choose to look the other way. Parenting Taboos described by Rufus Griscom and
Alisa Volkmann's Ted talk (2010) discuss scenarios from parenting that should never be talked
about. Parenting is not something that should be criticized but in today's world it very much is.
Parenting in the media is portrayed differently than in real life. Are kids watching too
much television that may alter their view of how something should be, causing them to act out?
In tv shows directors do whatever gets the most views, wanting the viewer to connect with a
character in order to continue watching. Conflict is key for an audience but are these conflicts
unrealistic? Does Brookes lifestyle create kids to think differently about their households?
(Weldon 2016; Holmes 2015).
Deciding when to discipline versus to be lenient is a struggle parents face today.. The
collapse of parenting (2016) compares the issue with parents wanting to be a friend rather than
a parent. Making a point to give children choices in some domains but not in others but
supporting them while still guiding them. Parents are there for guidance and support and without
these aspects children suffer. Keltner (2013) kids with Supportive parents had mean GPAs of
3.4, and kids with Tiger parents (strict parents) had a 3.0. That's a huge gap.

VI.
Works cited page-

Staff, N. (2016). To rebuild the collapse of parenting, its going to be A challenge.

Retrieved September 14, 2016, from npr.org, http://www.npr.org/2016/01/31/465022651/
to-rebuild-the-collapse-of-parenting-it's-going-to-be-a-challenge
Weldon, G. (2016). How the Americans solved the eternal TV problem of the surly teen. Retrieved
September 8, 2016, from npr.org,http://www.npr.org/sections/monkeysee/
2016/06/09/481375494/how-the-americans-solved-the-eternal-tv-problem-of-the-surly-teen
Shumaker, H. (2016). Parenting pitfalls: Renegades, privilege and putting on the boxing gloves.
Retrieved September 8, 2016, from npr.org,http://www.npr.org/2016/05/29/479759136
/parenting-pitfalls-renegades-privilege-and-putting-on-the-boxing-gloves
Rufus Griscom And Alisa Volkman (2010). Lets talk parenting taboos. Retrieved September 8, 2016,
from Ted.com,https://www.ted.com/talks/
rufus_griscom_alisa_volkman_let_s_talk_parenting_taboos#t-240827
Keltner, K. W. (2013). Children of tiger style parenting May Struggle more. Retrieved
September 14, 2016, from npr.org, http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch
/2013/05/14/183924819/Children-Of-Tiger-Style-Parenting-May-Struggle-More
Micheal Martin. (2011). Independence for kids: When to give it and how much. Retrieved September
8, 2016, from npr.org,http://www.npr.org/
2011/07/19/138510244/independence-for-kids-when-to-give-it-and-how-much
Powell, C. (2013). Kids need structure Retrieved from
Ted.com,https://www.ted.com/talks/colin_powell_kids_need_structure
Holmes, L. (2015). Television 2015: Is there really too much TV? Retrieved September 8, 2016, from
npr.org,http://www.npr.org/sections/monkeysee/2015/08/16/
432458841/television-2015-is-there-really-too-much-tv
Pao, M. (2015). The kids have spoken: Discipline helps, trophies for everyone. Retrieved September
8,
2016, from npr.org, http://www.npr.org/2015/10/18/
449157332/the-kids-have-spoken-discipline-helps-trophies-for-everyone
Mckegney, C. (2016, September 18) Personal Interview.
Hefron, E. (2016, September 14) Personal Interview.

Entering the conversation

After reading through all my research, I have concluded that parenting styles have and
will continue to be judged and changed over time. Whether this is in the media or in real life
parenting styles are judged and deciding what is right or wrong is commonly addressed and
discussed. Back in the day people like my father and mother were raised very differently. My
father never seizes to explain to my siblings and I that he grew up working for everything he
wanted. His parents were strict and used negative reinforcement such has being slapped with a
paddle or hit with a belt. As I grew up I did not receive this kind of treatment I was told to sit in
time out or go to my room sometimes having my mouth washed out with soap. Never have
my parents resorted to physical punishment. My father never forgets to explain to me that I have

it way easier than he did and I should be more appreciative. This took interest to me and I started
wondering how and why parenting styles have changed so drastically and why.
I would like to conduct a study on parenting styles from different generations. To get the
information I want I will ask questions like; What type of household did these people grow up
in? Did they grow up in strict or lenient households? What may happen if they were caught in a
lie or did something wrong? How were they provided wants and needs? Did they have a job
growing up? Was college something that was crucial for them? By asking questions like these I
can figure out how parenting has changed over time and what was the right parenting styles that
made these people successful.
First I will start with the baby boomers generation starting at 1946-1960, then follows
Generation X from 1960-1980, and last Generation Y from 1980-2000s. In each generation I
will have a two males and two females with different ages within the generation. The reason for
this is so I can take one female and male from one decade and compare their household to the
other male and female in the other decade to observe if parenting styles from each decade have
changed within one generation. I will ask all the same questions for each generation. I will create
a list of questions involving their household and how they were raised. I will print a copy for
eahc person, in total 12 copies, 4 from each generation. Each generation will have all the same
questions but to compare the results each person will have their generation labeled at the top with
their name.
1. While growing up what kind of household did you live in? Were
your parents strict or more of lenient type of parents? If so explain how and what
your parents did for you to describe them this way?

2. While growing up were you able to hang out with friends, have
sleepovers? Did you have a curfew? If so what time and if your curfew changed
what were the times?
3. In school were grades very important to your parents? What type
of punishments were given if grades weren't what your parents wanted them to
be? Elaborate on a time you remember where you were in trouble for something
school related and describe the punishment or no punishment your parents placed.
4. During childhood did you have chores that had to be done? Once
reaching middle or high school did your parents force you to get a job to pay for
expenses that you wanted excluding food, water and shelter?
5. What was a time that you remember when you got into some sort
of trouble and what type of actions did your parents take? Were you grounded or
just told to not do it again hoping you learned your lesson?
6. Towards the end of highschool did your parents and you have a
good relationship or was there tension between each other? Looking back now
why do you think your relationship was the way it was? Do you think you were a
good child growing up or no? Explain.
7. Would you explain your relationship with your parents more of a
friendship or parent? Some people say their parents are their best friend would
you agree or disagree? Explain.
8. Did your parents have a say with what you wore to school or out
with friends? Would they make u change if they did not approve or were you
allowed to wear whatever you wanted?
9. Could you and your parents have open conversations about a boy,
friend drama or did you limit what you said around your parents? If so explain
why or why not?

10. While growing up what was one thing you remember that your
parents pushed into your brains, whether this was too get good grades, or the act
of responsibility etc. What was something you will never forget your parent
telling you? Explain if this helped you now.
11. If you have children now or plan to have children would you raise
them the way you were raised? Do you think times have changed within parenting
and some ways are out of date or socially not acceptable? Explain your reasoning
in detail.
All 12 people will be sent home and given a week to think and fill out the form. After the
week they will be required to meet back up and analyze the data. Each generation will compare
their answers and then as a whole everyone's responses will be analyzed. After conducting the
survey I will re read the responses on my own and using my knowledge I will determine the
outcome of this survey and decide if the survey was accurate and beneficial. This is how I will
conduct my summary of parenting styles adapting over time.