Parenting is one of the most challenging yet fulfilling roles one can ever take on. As parents, we all want to raise our children to be happy, healthy, and successful. But have you ever wondered what kind of parenting style you have? Are you authoritarian or permissive? Maybe uninvolved or authoritative?
In this article, we’ll explore the four academically accepted parenting styles and an additional modern style that has gained media attention. Understanding these parenting styles can help you become a better parent, and with a little effort, you can adjust your approach to suit your children’s needs.
Authoritarian Parenting
The first parenting style is authoritarian, also known as the disciplinarian style. Authoritarian parents are strict and demand obedience from their children. They set high expectations and allow little room for negotiation. Punishment often accompanies mistakes, and communication is one-way from parent to child. Rules are not explained, and feedback is not given.
Children raised by authoritarian parents may develop self-esteem issues because their opinions aren’t valued. They may also adopt bullying or aggressive behaviors outside the home. While authoritarian parenting may make life easier in the short term through strict obedience and compliance, in the long term, the negative consequences outweigh any short-term benefits.
Permissive Parenting
The second parenting style is permissive, also known as the indulgent style. Permissive parents mostly let their children do what they want, offer limited guidance or direction, and are more like friends than parents. Communication is open, but mostly, children are left to figure out problems on their own. Expectations are minimal or not set at all.
Children under this parenting style tend to grow up without a strong sense of self-discipline due to the lack of expectations from their parents. They may also struggle with problem-solving and decision-making and may be less academically motivated. Permissive parents have few requirements for mature behavior, so their children may fall short on social skills.
Uninvolved Parenting
The third parenting style is uninvolved, also known as neglectful parenting. Uninvolved parents generally stay out of their children’s way, and communication is limited. Children find little nurturing from their parents, and there are few or no expectations of them. Children of neglectful parents tend to rank low in happiness and self-regulation. They may experience problems with authority and perform poorly in academics.
Children under this parenting style fare poorly in almost every aspect of life. They tend to have deficits in cognition, attachment, emotional skills, and social skills.
Authoritative Parenting
The fourth parenting style is authoritative parenting. This style differs from authoritarian in that it is firm but fair. Communication is two-way, and it is a more mature and deeper relationship. Children with authoritative parents tend to be self-disciplined and think for themselves. Disciplinary rules are clear, and the reasons behind them are explained.
Communication is frequent and appropriate to the child’s level of understanding. Authoritative parents are reasonable and nurturing, and expectations and goals are high but stated clearly and flexibly. Children may have input into goals, and parents with this style can adjust and adapt their approach depending on the situation, their child’s needs, and other factors present. Discipline takes into account all variables, like a child’s behavior and the situation.
Authoritative parenting is the most difficult parenting style to implement, as it requires mature thought and conscious effort. However, it reaps rewards in the long term. Children raised under this parenting style will likely become responsible adults who are comfortable expressing their opinions, self-confident about their abilities, have good social skills, and have good control of their emotions.
In conclusion, understanding the four academically accepted parenting styles and the modern parenting smile can help you become a better parent. The four parenting styles are authoritarian, permissive, uninvolved, and authoritative. Authoritarian parents tend to be strict and demand obedience from their children, while permissive parents offer limited guidance and let their children do what they want. Uninvolved parents tend to stay out of their children’s way, while authoritative parents are firm but fair and have a two-way communication style. Authoritative parenting is the most difficult to implement, but it offers the greatest rewards in the long term. By understanding these parenting styles, you can identify which one resonates with you the most and become a better parent.
