P 173 15-28
The learning theory of Robert R. Sears
Their very capacity to be available, to use praise and withdrawal of affection appropriately, is intimately correlated with their own personal satisfaction and comfort in life as social beings. The parents’ sense of well-being is closely linked with their sense of oneness with their social setting and the larger community. The parents must find their behavior in agreement with that expected by the larger environment, transcending existing class, ethnic, and educational differences, The parents’ sense of self- esteem depends upon their ready access to the latest information, to the latest emphasis in child care, available.
Essentially, during the second phase the child develops his own personality as directed by his elders through their child-rearing efforts. The success of each method of child-rearing depends upon finding a middle ground; either too much or too little dependency, or too strong or too little identification and conscience will thwart the normal progress of development.