CMM: Parent-Child Relationship

The relationship between a parent and a young child implies that certain kinds of communication will be present and that others will be absent. (The child, for example, will not order the parent to do something -- at least not successfully.)

Nonetheless, a discussion between a parent and a child will take on different meanings within the context of different episodes, and based on the participants' choice of speech acts and contents.

For instance, the parent could be expected to employ different speech acts in a conversation that takes place during the child's birthday party than in a conversation that takes place in the school principal's office after the receipt of a poor report card.