The Writing Challenge

Preparing to Write

The folktale, "The Spoiled Child," reveals as much about Galinka's parents as it does about their spoiled daughter.  These parents actually deprived their daughter of the joy of any reward for personal effort and achievement. It wasn't until the father-in-law had refused her food for two days and nights that Galinka finally realized she was missing a very important insight into personal happiness and satisfaction: joy comes through hard work and cooperation with others.  A family thrives when all members actively contribute and cooperate with each other.

Most of us can look back on childhood and recall the rewards and punishments that were typical within our own families. Challenge yourself and write about one of the following topics.

• Write about a time when your parents praised or rewarded you for good behavior or an achievement.  Describe the situation and explain how your parents encouraged and rewarded you. [What did you do? What did your parents say and do in return?]
• Write about a time when your parents were displeased with your misbehavior or lack of achievement.  Describe the situation and explain how your parents showed their displeasure and punished you. [What did you do? What did your parents say and do in return?]
• Write two paragraphs:

  • Under what circumstances should parents reward their children?  What are some appropriate  rewards  for specific behaviors?
  •  Under what circumstances should parents punish their children?  What are some effective punishments for specific behaviors?

   

  
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