Why Parents Need to Pay Attention to These Different Parenting Styles?

Having a child is every couple’s ultimate dream. While the birth of a child brings great joy to the parents, at the same time it places a heavy responsibility on their shoulders as well. Parents can determine the fate of a society or a nation if the upbringing of children is done according to the best parenting style.

This can only happen if the parents are familiar with all the various parenting styles, know the pros and cons of each of them, and most importantly know which parenting style is suitable for a particular child.

This article sheds light on different parenting styles so that parents are able to raise their children in an effective manner.

What are Parenting Styles?

Children are highly attached to their parents and their growth, health, and personalities are vastly influenced by their parenting styles. Developmental psychologists have long been interested in how parents affect child development. Parenting style is defined as a constellation of parents’ attitudes and behaviors toward children and an emotional climate in which the parents’ behaviors are expressed.

Researchers suggest that it is important to have a balanced and organized parenting style in order to raise your children with strong psychological and mental health. Most of the personality traits children develop at young ages are influenced by how their parents interact with them. Some parents are strict while others are lenient. Some are far more vigilant than others. Different parenting styles have a range of impacts on the confidence level, emotional expressions, self-control, maturity, intellectual capacity, and intelligence of your child. Moderation and wisdom should be the guide.

4 Types of Parenting Styles: Which One is Yours?

Diana Baumrind, a famous psychologist and researcher, conducted a study in the 1960s. The study included 100 pre-school-age children. She identified three types of parenting styles. Other researchers have observed that parenting styles, based on the attitude and behavior of the parents towards their children, can be categorized into four types. The types of parenting styles include:

1. Authoritarian Parenting
2. Authoritative Parenting
3. Permissive Parenting
4. Uninvolved Parenting

Each of these types have different effects on children’s behavior. It’s important to mention that there isn’t any particular parenting style that can be deemed fit for all types of children. Baumrind’s parenting theory states that there is a handy connection between the type of parenting style and children’s behavior.

So, parents must figure out the personality type of a child and then apply the best suitable parenting style during his/her upbringing but all with the understanding that there are always moral absolutes but different ways to apply them.

#1. Authoritarian Parenting

In an authoritarian parenting style, parents make strict rules, and children are expected to follow these rules without questioning. According to Baumrind’s theory, authoritarian parents are not responsive to their children and usually avoid explaining the reasoning behind making these rules. In most cases, failure to follow parents’ instructions results in punishment. Authoritarian parents have almost zero tolerance for making errors and their expectations are too high to attain. This creates a tense emotional environment in the house and can be very detrimental to the mental health of the children.

#2. Authoritative Parenting

In the authoritative parenting style, the parents are relatively supportive and nurturing but they set stern limits for their children. They control behavior by setting do’s and don’ts, and teach why they should or should not do the thing. This feeds the intelligence of the child as well. Authoritative parents tend to explain the reasoning for their rules and engage their children in order to discuss and understand their rulebooks. In this parenting style, parents listen to the child’s viewpoint but do not always agree to it. Note from the editor: This is how we personally raised our five children. Helping them to understand will help them to have wise convictions as they grow. They tend to have a better sense of balance rather than wasting time in young adulthood rebelling against or running from authority.

Children raised under an authoritative parenting style usually have better self-control. They are more confident, self-reliant, cheerful, and friendly. These types of children tend to perform well in society compared to the children brought up by authoritarian parenting styles. The bible includes the book of Proverbs full of great wisdom for parents. It is not the same as authoritarianism at all but instead teaches cause and effect of our actions to children.

#3. Permissive Parenting

In the permissive parenting style, parents are very responsive but they have low expectations from their children. They are less demanding and seldom discipline their child, in any form. With this behavior, sometimes parents fail to set limits and closely monitor their child’s activities. Permissive parents, according to Baumrind, raise children who are usually aimless, impulsive, aggressive, and low in self-control and self-reliance. Kids raised in a permissive parenting style are more likely to struggle academically and don’t take responsibility for their role in society. Some studies suggest that these children are also at high risk of having health issues.

4. Uninvolved Parenting

This parenting style was proposed by John Martin and Eleanor Maccoby. Uninvolved parenting style is characterized by neglectful behavior of the parents. Uninvolved parents tend to be rejecting, unresponsive, and have very few demands. They offer nothing in the way of guidance, support, or structure. Also, there exists a high communication gap between the child and the parents. Uninvolved parents do not ask their children about school or homework. Sometimes, they don’t even know where or who their child is with. Children raised with this parenting style normally have low self-esteem and lack self-confidence.

Know the Impact of Parenting Styles on Child Development

Each of the parenting styles has its outcomes and effects on child development. A number of studies have been conducted about the impact of parenting styles on children’s behavior.

Authoritarian parenting has an impact on shaping the personality of children who are obedient and proficient but they lack happiness and self-esteem.

Similarly, authoritative parenting may be linked with many positive effects on a child’s personality. Usually, these children are happy, competent, and successful.

Permissive parenting may result in raising children who are low performers in academics and rank low in happiness and self-reliance. The Peter Pan Syndrome, in men, is a common side effect.

Children raised in uninvolved parenting styles are prone to have health and psychological issues. They usually suffer from depression and are poor performers in academics.

Studies on parenting styles suggest that authoritative parents are more likely to raise a confident, competent, and self-reliant child in society.

From time to time, some parents don’t fall into a single parenting style. They are permissive on some occasions and authoritative on others. All it takes is to be balanced in the use of authority and being permissive while raising your child. With dedication and commitment to be a good parent, you can maintain a healthy relationship with your child. Remember that your child will be an adult most of his life. Help him to be the best he can through love, wisdom, education and lots of hugs and honest praise along the way.