The Relationship Between Parental Encouragement and Social Development of Adolescents

Social development means acquisition of the ability to behave in accordance with social expectations. Social development is a continuous process covering the total life span of an individual. It entails acquiring specific skills which facilitate the development of effective social relationships. It does not happen automatically or suddenly. It is a time-consuming process requiring conscious effort, adequate motivation, and requisite opportunities. A child may be tanned social if he behaves in a socially approved manner, plays the role which society prescribes for him and has favourable attitudes towards people and social activities. Susan and Felner (2007) conducted a study on "The Effects of Family Environment and Parent-child Relationship on School Adjustment during the Transition to Early Adolescence. Parents must manage the basic education of the child in emotional, personal, and social matters. Home atmosphere is also responsible for child’s personality development, adjustment outside the home, success in school as well as in adult life. Because home is the child’s first social environment, it sets the pattern for his attitudes towards people, things, and life in general. Parental involvement and encouragement have influences on academic achievement and success. Parenting disciplines, control, monitoring, concern, encouragement and consistency are all aspects of parent-child relationships that have been linked to academic achievement in adolescents. Authoritative parenting style characterized by warmth, interest and concern along with clear rules and limits has positive effects on grades, whereas studies suggest that neglectful styles has most negative effects on grades.