Julie recognizes that her son likes to talk and at one point jokes that maybe he could become a pastor. She sees the limitations from her education and wants her children to have more education than she has. Although she discloses that she has given up a daughter at birth as a young teenager and made many errors in raising her older daughter, she is determined to "get it right" now with her younger two children. "Like at times with my therapy I say it's very - it's very hard. It's one of the hardest things ever like uh…But um…gradually, day by day…Like…especially trying to be patient with my children…and trying to listen to what they have to say." Julie knows what she missed as a child and states, "It's very important there that you build that bond with your children there. And you see them for who they are…as a person…as a child."

Beth also recognizes that her oldest two children are capable students. When talking about her son's reading ability she points out, "He's ah…He's one of the smarter ones in the class" and Doug adds proudly, "He's really good in school!" The oldest daughter also shows promise in being an excellent reader. Beth announces smugly, "she's one of the top readers in her class right now!" If her child is having difficulty reading, Beth describes what she would do, "I mean if they're reading a book and they don't understand it, they can come to you or if they need help with the words."

Affiliation Needs

The final area I address in the emotional and motivational climate for learning is affiliation needs. First I look at the family structural composition, particularly the impact of single parent households. Then, I discuss the role of spirituality in providing guidance.