Identify potential protective and risk factors for Brian. Explain how they apply to the scenario and why they are important. (PLEASE ANSWER THIS!!!!!!!!!!)
Brian Smith is a 4-year-old who resides with his mother, father, and younger brother Luke in a four-bedroom home in a comfortable suburban neighborhood. Brian's father is a civil engineer and his mother is a dietitian. As a newborn, Brian was described as a “fussy” baby who did not enjoy being held by others, including his parents. As he grew, Brian’s parents coped by minimizing their interactions with him, often encouraging him to play by himself. Although he is able to talk, he prefers to express his needs by grunting and mumbling. His pediatrician has recommended speech therapy to encourage him to use a greater vocabulary on a regular basis, Brian’s parents are hesitant to “label him” as a “special needs child” at this young age and have declined any intervention at this time.
Brian has had four different childcare providers since he was six months old. For the past year, he and Luke have spent weekdays with their childcare provider, Tracy, who cares for three additional children under age seven, two of whom frequently wrestle, throw food and hit each other during the day. Last year, Brian’s parents decided to enroll him in a pre-school program five days per week. Brian attended exactly two weeks before his parents were contacted over concern that he was constantly hitting others and throwing toys. Rather than work with the pre-school, Brian’s mother decided to return him to Tracy’s house, explaining that the pre-school did not understand the energy level of boys. Tracy describes Brian as exasperating but has been reluctant to discuss her concerns with the Smiths, for fear that they will remove Brian and Luke from her care, and she needs the money.
In addition to his preschool classmates, Brian has been aggressive with his now 2-year-old brother Luke since Luke was an infant. For example, he has hit Luke, smashed toys over his head, and recently ran Luke over with his tricycle. Brian’s father has become increasingly frustrated as he struggles to communicate with his son. He responds to Brian by yelling and demanding that Brian speak clearly. Interactions with his father often result in Brian screeching, biting his own arm, or throwing objects. Brian’s mother attributes much of Brian's behavior to being a “toddler boy.” She disciplines him by attempting to explain the reasons his behavior is “not nice.” Brian’s father has begun implementing time-outs as a means of discipline.
To identify potential protective and risk factors for Brian, we need to consider his situation and behaviors described in the scenario and analyze how they apply to his well-being. Here are some potential protective and risk factors:
Protective Factors:
1. Stable Family Environment: Brian resides with his mother, father, and younger brother in a comfortable suburban neighborhood. This stable family environment can provide support, structure, and a sense of security for Brian.
2. Professionally Successful Parents: Brian's father is a civil engineer, and his mother is a dietitian. Their professional success indicates that they may have the resources and knowledge to provide for Brian's needs adequately.
3. Access to Speech Therapy: Brian's pediatrician has recommended speech therapy to encourage him to use a greater vocabulary on a regular basis. Although his parents have declined intervention for now, having access to such therapy can help him develop his communication skills, potentially addressing some of his behavioral difficulties.
Risk Factors:
1. Limited Parental Interaction: As a newborn, Brian was described as a "fussy" baby who did not enjoy being held by others, including his parents. His parents coped by minimizing interactions with him and encouraging him to play by himself. This limited parental interaction might impact Brian's emotional and social development.
2. Inconsistent and Challenging Childcare: Brian has had four different childcare providers since he was six months old. Currently, he spends weekdays with Tracy, who cares for three additional children. The environment in which Brian spends his time doesn't seem to be adequately addressing his needs. The presence of wrestling, food-throwing, and hitting among the other children can potentially contribute to aggressive behaviors in Brian.
3. Lack of Intervention for Behavioral Challenges: When Brian's parents received concerns from the pre-school about his hitting and throwing behaviors, his mother decided to return him to the previous childcare provider instead of working with the pre-school. This lack of intervention and attention to his behavioral challenges can hinder his development and prevent him from receiving appropriate support.
4. Aggression Toward Younger Brother: Brian displays aggressive behaviors towards his younger brother, such as hitting him, smashing toys over his head, and running him over with a tricycle. This aggression can jeopardize his brother's safety and potentially harm his own relationships and emotional well-being.
5. Communication and Discipline Strategies: Brian's struggle to communicate effectively and his father's frustration, which leads to yelling and demanding clearer speech, have resulted in negative interactions. Brian's response includes screeching, self-harming behaviors, and object throwing. These communication and discipline strategies might worsen his behaviors and exacerbate the situation.
It is important to address these risk factors and strengthen the protective factors to support Brian's development and well-being. This may involve seeking professional advice, such as consulting a child psychologist or therapist, to assess Brian's needs and provide appropriate interventions. Creating consistent and supportive environments, improving communication strategies, and implementing positive discipline techniques can also play a crucial role in helping Brian navigate his challenges and behaviors effectively.