Parenting Scenario Scale (PSS)

[Terry, 4yo, dressing difficulty] The parent states that Terry will get a reward in the car if the clothes are on in the next minute. The parent helps Terry to put the clothes on.

[Terry, 4yo, dressing difficulty] The parent picks the child up clothes half on, half off, and leaves Terry and the clothing at the preschool.

[Terry, 4yo, dressing difficulty] The parent tells Terry that they have negotiated for the last time. The parent explains that they will now have to finish dressing the child.

[Terry, 4yo, dressing difficulty] The parent demands that Terry put the clothes on immediately. When the child is not compliant; the parent follows through with corporal punishment and a warning regarding what will happen if this behavior occurs again.

[Cameron, 7yo, refuses to clean room] Cameron’s parent negotiates with Cameron regarding the responsibility of picking up the toys. They state that the grandparent traveled a long way for a visit. They tell the child to come to breakfast first, but the child will have to pick up the room later.

[Cameron, 7yo, refuses to clean room] Cameron is ignored while the parent prepares breakfast. The adults have breakfast without Cameron who finally comes in from the bedroom, grabs a roll off the table, and runs back to the bedroom.

[Cameron, 7yo, refuses to clean room] They explain that the rule has been to clean the room on Sunday morning before breakfast. They state that they are concerned over Cameron’s unhappiness in the situation, but the room should be picked up before coming out to breakfast.

[Cameron, 7yo, refuses to clean room] Cameron is punished verbally and physically in front of the grandparent because they have 'crossed the limits.' They state that there will be no further discussion and the room will be picked up before breakfast.

[Chris, 10yo, school night bath refusal] They say that it is the child’s choice to bath but for health and social reasons, they really should bathe. They offer to remain or leave while Chris makes a choice.

[Chris, 10yo, school night bath refusal] The parent tells Chris to get into the tub and states that they are going to bed.

[Chris, 10yo, school night bath refusal] After drawing a bath the parent reminds Chris that they are to take a bath every day. They listen to the concerns over not bathing and they remain in the area until the child has gotten into the tub and taken a bath.

[Chris, 10yo, school night bath refusal] After drawing a bath the parent tells Chris to get into the tub and that they will not tolerate any further delays or 'backtalk.' They state that Chris is 10 and should not need any further reminding.

[Bobbie, 13yo, sent to principal's office] In the principal’s office, the parent asks Bobbie to recount what happened. They let the child know that they think the child has acted irresponsibly. They listen to Bobbie’s side of the incident and offer choices in terms of resolving the current situation.

[Bobbie, 13yo, sent to principal's office] In the principal’s office the parent tells Bobbie that this is the first and only time they will waste their time coming to the school. They promise the principal that they will deal with the matter when they return home because they are too busy to deal with it now.

[Bobbie, 13yo, sent to principal's office] In the principal’s office, the parent is quick to praise Bobbie’s past school behavior and state that they trust Bobbie. They, however, ask the child to discuss the current problem with them in order to help them understand why the incident occurred. They let the child know that they care but that they expect Bobbie to behave at school.

[Bobbie, 13yo, sent to principal's office] In the principal’s office, the parent states that they will not tolerate this type of behavior. They tell the child that they expect them to behave at school just as they behave at home. They also relate that there will be serious consequences if this type of behavior occurs again.

[Robin, 16yo, wants body appearance change] The parent discusses the procedure with Robin in an attempt to obtain understanding why the child wants the procedure. The parent also discusses the outcomes that may or may not happen when and if the child chooses to obtain the procedure.

[Robin, 16yo, wants body appearance change] The parent tells Robin that any type of surgery is not coming out of their pocket; therefore, if they insist they will need to think about how they’re going to afford it.

[Robin, 16yo, wants body appearance change] The parent talks with several experts in the area in question. They discuss the pros and cons of such a radical procedure with Robin but insist that the child not continue attempting to obtain surgery.

[Robin, 16yo, wants body appearance change] The parent tells Robin that they need to concentrate on school success and developing their mind and not their body. They also state that they will refuse to sign any medical consent forms.

[Jesse, 4yo, wants to ride bike in street] The parent explains that Jesse is not old enough to ride in the street, but when Jesse screams, the parent allows Jesse to ride with the sibling, while keeping a close eye on the 4-year old.

[Jesse, 4yo, wants to ride bike in street] The parent tells Jesse to go ride wherever they want because they don’t have time to argue.

[Jesse, 4yo, wants to ride bike in street] The parent explains to Jesse that the sibling is older, has been riding bikes longer, and knows how to be safe in the street. They explain that if Jesse attempts to ride alone or does not follow the rules, there will be no riding the bike.

[Jesse, 4yo, wants to ride bike in street] The parent says they have already told Jesse 'No' and that screaming and crying will not change the situation. The parent states that Jesse should stay either in the yard or on the sidewalk or they will take the bike away.

[Alex, 7yo, wants to use sharp knife for salad] The parent considers the request and says that the sharp knife can be dangerous so Alex should use a butter knife, which is less sharp, and can still cut fruit easily.

[Alex, 7yo, wants to use sharp knife for salad] The parent is relieved that someone else wants to make the salad; they leave Alex in charge of making the fruit salad.

[Alex, 7yo, wants to use sharp knife for salad] The parent listens to Alex’s side, but for safety reasons directs the child toward another safer task.

[Alex, 7yo, wants to use sharp knife for salad] The parent tells Alex to leave the kitchen, and not to distract them while they are working.

[Pat, 10yo, wants to attend midnight movie] The parent tells Pat if they do decide to go to the movie to be aware that it may be inappropriate because of the content and late hour.

[Pat, 10yo, wants to attend midnight movie] The parent tells Pat that they will be playing cards with their friends on the night of the movie and they have to fend for themselves. They yell to come home directly when it is over.