One of the major parent-child interactions changes during the middle- and late-childhood years involves a(n)

A) decrease in time spent with children.
B) decrease in the importance of providing information on how to interact with other adults.
C) increase in the use of physical punishment.
D) increase in the use of guilt and a decrease in the use of reason when attempting to alter an unwanted behavior.

As children grow older and become more independent, parents often spend less time with them as they no longer require the same level of constant supervision and care.

Answer: B
As children move into middle and late childhood, they become better equipped to handle social interactions on their own, meaning that parents may not need to provide as much guidance in this area.

Answer: C
The use of physical punishment is generally considered to be ineffective and potentially harmful, regardless of a child's age.

Answer: D
Guilt and reason can both be effective strategies for changing behavior, but children in middle and late childhood are likely to respond better to reasoning and logical explanations than to attempts to manipulate them through guilt.