Raising Children in
Today’s World
Understanding Parenting Styles and Personality Development
L.L. Mulhollem
Counseling and Psychotherapy
www.llmcounseling.com.
Raising Children in
Today’s World
Understanding Parenting Styles and Personality Development
o Program can be
customized by topic
o Topics are customized to
need
o Customizations are
tailored for group size
o The goal is to create a
comfortable environment,
encouraging interaction
Topic Breakdown…
What are Parenting Styles ?
Considering each Developmental Stage
Healthy Parenting & Considering Cultural Views
Understanding How God Designed Us: Neuroscience
Considering Each Stage and Healthy Parenting
Depending on your platform, the
following presentations are
offered:
Overview of Parenting Styles
Four topics•will45-60
be considered
minute today
overview
(ex: teacher/parent
 Discipline versus Punishment
 What are Parenting Styles?
conferences)
3-4 session weekend seminar
 Cultures Past & Present in
Relationship
to Parenting
Styles
(ex:
Friday evening,
Saturday
morning
& early afternoon)
 Personalities: Developmental
Overview
•
•
4-5 individual sessions
(ex: Sunday School series)
Overview of Parenting Styles
With the first topic, we focus
on laying a foundation of types
of parenting,
Four cultural
topics willchanges,
be considered today
and word descriptions and

Discipline versus
Punishment
definitions,
to ensure
everyone
is
on the
same page.
 What
are Parenting Styles?
 Cultures Past & Present in Relationship to Parenting Styles
 Personalities: Developmental Overview
Cultures Past and Present:
An Overview
What has changed over the years ?
* What are Parenting Styles ?
* Considering each Developmental Stage
* Healthy Parenting & Considering Cultural Views
* Understanding How God Designed
Us: topic,
The second
developmental stages,
primarily
* Considering Each Stage and
Healthyfocuses
Parentingon
children. However, this can
be adapted to consider
adult developmental
stages, such as aging
parents.
Neuroscience
*
Each developmental stage is
broken down and discussed from
each of the four constructs. This
Each
developmental
allows the
parents to get a stage
better
understanding
where a
is
broken
down, of
allowing
their children are, what they are
better
understanding of
capable of understanding, and
where,
what,
capability of
considering
age appropriate
discipline.
the
child’s understanding.
We will consider the Biblical definitions of a
“child”, as well as the different aspects the
Bible uses for the word “child”.
What does the Bible say about
Developmental Stages???
Breakdown…
Overview of Parenting Styles
Overview of Developmental Stages
Healthy Parenting & Considering Cultural Views
Understanding How We Are Designed
Every wonder why cultures and
Wrapping it Up
generations each have vastly different
views on parenting? We consider these
topics, looking at myths and truths from
each culture and generation.
Healthy Parenting:
Considering Cultural Views
In an age where people want more than
the “how”, but also the “why”, actual
clinical research is implemented to
show why these techniques are
important in healthy child rearing.
Connecting Parental Psychopathology and Parental Styles (Mulhollem,
2011)
“Studies have proven a significant relationship ....
What appeared to be a key to this generational circle
is parenting styles.”
(Brook, Balka, Fei, & Whiteman, 2006; Brook, Balka, Fei, & Whiteman, 2006; Laird, Marrero, & Sentse, 2010; Moilanen, Shaw, &
Fitzpatrick, 2010; Murray, & Farrington, 2005; Nishikawa, Sundbom, & Hägglöf, 2010; Roelofs, Meesters, ter Huurne, Bamelis, &
Muris, 2006; Surcinelli, Rossi, Montebarocci, & Baldaro, 2010; Vostanis, Graves, Meltzer, Goodman, Jenkins, & Brugha, 2006).
The topic Understanding
How God Designed Us has
been found to generate
the most class interaction.
The focus: Neuroscience
and Brain Development
Understanding How God Designed Us
Points of discussion:
o Overview of the Brain
o Brain versus Heart, What does the
Bible say?
o Plasticity of the Brain
o The Effects of Faith on the Brain
o The Effects of Parenting on the Brain
o The Effects of Technology on the Brain
Plasticity of the Brain
Understanding
the difference
between
WhenaI was a child, I talked like a child, I thought
child’s
andI reasoned like a child. When I became
like brain
a child,
an adult’s
brain
a man,
I put the ways of childhood behind me.
is discussed.
1 Corinthians 13:11
The Effects of Faith on the Brain
Our View of Who God Is:
How the Brain Grows Its Neuronetwork
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a
clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I
have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor
and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing! 1 Corinthians 13
Even our understanding
of who God is changes
our neuro-network,
effecting the brain. We
discuss and consider the
proven research.
Research shows our view of God has a direct relationship in maturation of certain parts
of the brain including our ability to make logical decisions and control our emotions.
- T. Jennings, 2013
The Effects of Technology on the Brain
Technology has altered human physiology. It makes us
think differently, feel differently, even dream
differently. It affects our memory, attention spans and
Whenhave
considering
sleep cycles… (some) experts
praised the effects
technology,
cogitate
of tech on the brain… others
fear techwe
has
crippled our
that shows
attention spans and maderesearch
us uncreative
and impatient
when it comes to anythingphysical,
analog. emotional and
psychological responses.
Stages and Discipline
Our last topic focuses
on healthy discipline
within each
developmental stage.
12 - 21 Months
3 – 6 Years
22 - 36 Months
6 – 11 Yrs.
Stages and Discipline
Remember:
22 - 36 Months
 Preoperational stages start at earlier months
 Self-conscious
self-evaluation (pride, shame & guilt) reading others
emotions
 Motivation is to earn praise and avoid disproval
 Increases interest in others, especially children (30-36 months)
Discipline:
 Lots of two way positive interaction like reading, playing, and
healthy touch – PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE
 Encourage basic Biblical principles (consequence of choices)
 Vocabulary rapidly growing – encourage memorization of basic
Biblical references.
 Father and Mother relationship is important for child’s
foundational security.
 Avoid punishment based on “feelings” but more “dictatorship”
style for foundational right and wrong.
The Car Theory
Biblical rearing can be related to owning a car. Putting gas in
the car is just one important part of maintenance. If your only
focus is putting gas in the car, it will become unbalanced and
will eventually render useless.
With children parents or
caregivers need to focus on
all aspects of their lives in
terms of healthy discipline. If
you focus on just one,
whether it be punishment,
education, affection, or
other, the child will become
unbalanced.
How we manage stress in today’s culture.
Remember
thatsix
as final
parents, YOU hold the reigns of the
Lastly,
majority
of your child’s
development.
constructs
in stress
management are
Remember
the age ofassisting
your child
considered,
in and conduct appropriate
communication
that developmental stage.
healthy for
parenting!
Parental Support: religious/faith groups, parents groups,
and close friends of the same sex
Additionally, we take time to
answer individual questions and
generate discussion around
what was learned, as well as,
specific ways to implement
strategies.
People who’ve attended our class said:
” … found myself wanting more like a great movie !”
” I think every parent should hear what you have to teach.
Thank you so much !”
“ I liked your discussion approach !”
“Great information ! Nice to be ‘armed’ with accurate information !“
” I learned a lot of values from this class !”
” I wish I knew this (information) when I was younger !”
“ Very interesting to hear the science aspect on how the brain works !”
“ After Rodney’s teaching on parenting styles I was convinced that I had been
very indulgent with my son and need to work to improve my parenting “
“ Following the seminar I realized I need further help to be a better parent”
“ (I) learn something new every time I come to your class and
enjoy your speaking !”
“ Thought the class was excellent ! Would recommend it to anyone ! “
People who’ve attended our class said:
” EXCELLENT ! We have three kids and found the material very
applicable to use to raise them !”
” I have a much better understanding of my child because of Rodney’s
teaching of developmental stages in children. ”
” Really enjoyed the class…very practical and with good ideas !”
” The info was good and it was great great to hear you bring in the
Bible in the (clinical) teachings. ”
“Thank you so much for your time !”
” Excellent information and detail on the reasoning for doing things
in certain ways. ”
” I really appreciate putting the Bible in with this (class).”
” The class has been invaluable !”
My one child has ADHD and some info. Supported what I already felt
to be true. I’m glad God answers prayers. “
Professional References:
“Rodney Mulhollem taught a six week parenting seminar at Mt. Calvary Church, which was
very practical and insightful for our parents who attended. We found the seminar to be a
tremendous help to our parents and can highly recommend it to anyone looking for an
expert in the area of parenting” – D. Vaughn, M.A., Senior Pastor, Mt. Calvary Church
”One of the hardest jobs today is parenting – especially Christian parenting! Christ
Lutheran was very fortunate to have Rodney Mulhollem conduct an eight week class to
help us in our Christian parenting. Through power point information and class discussion
we broadened our parenting skills and created a wonderful support for each other on a
regular weekly basis. For that, we thank Rodney, and his wife Laurie, who also brought so
much to the class.” Pastor J. Thomas, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
“I had a lot of positive feedback! We want you to come back for a little longer talk and get
more in depth – especially on the parenting styles and child development needs/changes as
they grow… everyone was very positive.” – Vicky, President SSBVM (Seven Sorrows) Parent
Teacher Organization
I recently attended a Churches That Care forum hosted for local pastors taught by
Rodney… Rodney’s down to earth style of communication was engaging and kept our
interest. Rodney has an understanding and appreciation for the local church ministry as
well as the challenges of the local pastor. – Dr. Mark H. Yarger, D.Min. Senior Pastor
L.L. Mulhollem
Counseling and Psychotherapy
Individual, Group, and Family Christian Based Counseling and Psychotherapy, Seminars, and Training
www.LLMcounseling.com
717-489-2901