Parenting Styles
There are four different types of parenting styles and each style acts as a guide for a child’s morals, principles, and conduct. Typically, most parents can be categorized into one type of parenting style, however it is possible to have some characteristics from another category.
The first style, authoritarian parenting, is seen when a parent uses strict rules that are not explained and the child is expected to obey them with no room for negotiations or errors. There tends to be little warmth or positive involvement stemming from the parent to their child in addition to not considering the child’s desires or opinions. Here, there is a lot of anger and displeasure directed towards the child and when the child behaves poorly or does something inadequately harsh punishment is used. Children raised in this parenting style typically are the most well-behaved due to consequences of misbehaving, however they have higher levels of aggression which they have difficulty managing since they were never properly guided. Additionally, children raised in this category usually have poorer self-esteem, rebel against authority figures as they get older, are shy, and have difficulty making decisions.
The second style, authoritative parenting, revolves around the parent and child having a nurturing, warm, involved and responsive relationship. The parent has guidelines they expect their child to follow and explain why they are being disciplined as a way to support the child instead of punishing them. Parents practicing this style consider a child’s desires, opinions and ideas because they value their input. There is an appropriate level of communication between parent and child with the parent not yielding to child coercion. Parents expect mature, independent, and age-appropriate behaviors due to the standards, communication and enforcements they have set. Generally, this style leads to the healthiest outcomes and children tend to become confident, responsible, and have the ability to self-regulate. Children raised in this style have a better ability to handle negative emotions leading to better social outcomes and emotional health. Children learn they are able to meet their goals independently, have higher self-esteem, and have higher levels of academic achievement.
Permissive parenting is seen when the parent is warm and nurturing, but there are little to no expectations for the child. Here, a parent acts more like a friend as opposed to a parent figure. Parents glorify free expression of impulses and desires while not communicating or enforcing rules. Poor behavior is typically ignored or accepted and in result the parent doesn’t expect maturity. Limited rules can result in unhealthy eating habits, impulsivity, demanding behaviors, selfishness, and a lack of self-regulation.
The last parenting style, uninvolved parenting, is seen when a child is given absolute freedom because the parent is not involved with the child. A parent will try to avoid their child and/or fail to monitor activities their child is engaging in. Parents here tend to be neglectful and unresponsive while pursuing self-gratification at the expense of their child’s welfare. Although basic needs such as food, water and clothing are usually met, parents remain detached from anything else going on in their child’s life. Discipline is not utilized, there is limited communication, and there are no expectations for the child to meet. Children raised in this parenting style are usually resilient and self-sufficient because they were forced to develop these skills out of necessity. Additionally, children can have difficulties managing their emotions, have less effective coping skills, greater academic challenges, and difficulty maintaining social relationships.
Source: National Library of Medicine