Getting to Know the Different Types of Parenting Styles
Getting to Know the Different Types of Parenting Styles
Deciding on a parenting style is a very personal decision. It should also be something one should put a lot of thought into. One person's parenting style won't necessarily be as effective on another person's children. Even if one parent swears by a parenting style, it doesn't mean that another person can adapt the style exactly as it is, apply it on his/her own children and expect the same result.
There are many different types of parenting styles but you can generally divide them into four major categories:
1. Authoritarian - This type of parenting style is where children are expected to obey they parents unequivocally, without questions asked. Parents expect themselves to have the last say in any and every issue. Parents who are authoritarian don't bother to explain their decisions to their children nor do they talk to their children about the reasons behind setting ground rules and consequences. There are no family dialogues. There are also no negotiations. The consequences of breaking parents' rules is outright punishment. Many children who grew up in authoritarian parenting styles usually struggle with low self-esteem. They may be obedient, subservient, and relatively successful but they are also unhappy, socially inept, and have poor self-image.
2. Permissive - On the other side of the spectrum are permissive parents. These parents opt to be very indulgent of their children. They are tolerant, are less likely to engage their children in argument or confrontation, have less expectations on their children, and have almost no expectations on how their children should be mature or learn self-regulation. Parents who practice permissive parenting often want to become their children's friends rather than parents. They are reluctant to accept their role as parents. Children who are raised by permissive parents can hardly regulate themselves because they didn't learn how to do that. They are also more likely to encounter problems in school and often have clashes with authority figures.
3. Authoritative - A democratic parenting style where parents do actively set ground rules at home (and expect these rules to be followed). However, authoritative parents talk to their children about why these rules are set and why consequences are made along with these rules. They listen to their children's comments and suggestions and may sometimes make changes on ground rules if the suggestions are reasonable and acceptable. They set consequences not just for the sake of punishing but of teaching. Authoritative parents are more forgiving of their children's shortcomings and are more nurturing than authoritarianparents. Authoritative parents aim to teach their children how to self-regulate but also learn how to voice their opinion and learn when to assert themselves and how. Children who are products of authoritative parenting are often happier, have a healthy self-esteem, and a more positive outlook in life. They also tend to have a more active social conscience.
4. Uninvolved - This kind of parenting is where parents have few to little demands, are not communicative of their children and prefer to not be involved in their children's lives. Extremely uninvolved parents are seen as negligent. Children who are raised by uninvolved parents are usually extremely unhappy, least successful, and are continuously challenged when it comes to relating to other people around them.
Government Assistance For Needy Parents - Single Parents Grants The Pain of Watching Your Parents Age Learn How to Handle Stress as a Parent Signing Is Even for Dads, Grandparents, and Nannies! Single Parent Grants: Addressing the Future Single Parents: A Challenging but Rewarding Job How your State is Helping you by Giving Single Parent Grants The Effects of Single Parent Families The Facts of Being Single Parents The Struggles of Being Single Parents How to Become Effective Single Parents Survive Single Parenthood By Being Financially Prepared Troubles Affecting Single Parenting