Raising children in a healthy way is almost an art. Every single parent on the face of the earth possesses one of the 4 types of parenting styles that they use to raise their kids. Sometimes they aren’t always aware of which parenting style they are using.
There are a variety of different parenting styles that impact children in different ways. Some are positive, while others are not.
4 TYPES OF PARENTING STYLES AND HOW TO IDENTIFY YOURS
AUTHORITATIVE PARENTING
Parents who take on an authoritative parenting role generally have high expectations of their children, balanced with an understanding and supportive demeanor.
This style is generally thought to be the most beneficial and effective parenting style for kids.
Authoritative parenting can create a healthy environment for growing children, helping to foster a productive and strong relationship between the parent and the child.
AM I AN AUTHORITATIVE PARENT?
- Do you enforce consequences for not following instructions or breaking rules?
- Do you have a set daily routine with structure and clear house rules?
- Are your expectations of your children clear, reasonable and understood by your children?
- Does your child feel comfortable communicating with you openly without fear of judgment or negative consequences?
If you answered yes to these questions, then chances are you are an authoritative parent.
UNINVOLVED PARENTING
Uninvolved parenting is considered a neglectful parenting style to participate in.
Uninvolved parents are characterized by low responsiveness and less communication.
Detaching from their child’s feelings and needs, providing only the bare necessities like food and shelter and not taking responsibility for anything more than that, is what defines an uninvolved parent.
AM I AN UNINVOLVED PARENT?
- Are you involved in the ongoing of your child’s life?
- Do you care for all your child’s needs – physical, emotional and otherwise?
- Do you leave your child alone while you leave the home for extended time periods?
- Would your child consider your home to be a safe space where they can freely and openly share their experiences and thoughts without a negative reaction or no reaction at all?
- Do you frequently make excuses as to why you are not around for your child?
- Are you involved in your children’s lives outside of the home?
- Do you know your children’s teachers, friends, and other instructors?
If these traits mentioned above describe someone you know, or even yourself, there are children at risk of being damaged by neglect. Please seek help immediately.
PERMISSIVE PARENTING
Characterized by its indulgent style, permissive parenting is another style of parenting that can potentially be harmful.
These parents are responsive but also incredibly lenient to avoid confrontation.
Permissive parents are usually extremely loving and nurturing, but the benefits are far outweighed by the negative effects of this style
There are very few rules set when it comes to this style and when they do exist they are not consistent. A lack of structure can cause children to grow up with less self-control and self-discipline though, which is extremely negative.
Some parents adopt this parenting method because they don’t want to upset their children, while others do so to raise their children in an opposite manner to how they were brought up.
AM I A PERMISSIVE PARENT?
- Do you purposefully avoid conflict with your children?
- Do you have little to no rules or limits set for your kids?
- Do you change rules to accommodate the mood your child is in?
- Do you bribe your child to do things with rewards?
- Would you rather be your children’s friend than their parent?
If you answered yes these questions, chances are you are a permissive parent.
Remember, children thrive when they have structure and consequences. It is important to a child’s development that there are clear-cut child and parental roles. It is important to begin to set rules and boundaries for your child as soon as possible.
AUTHORITARIAN PARENTING
Authoritarian parents can also be referred to as strict. This parenting style is characterized by parents who aren’t very responsive but incredibly demanding.
Authoritarian parents expect their children to follow a very strict set of rules and expectations. There isn’t much of a dialogue between authoritarian parents and their children, as they are much more focused on rules.
AM I AN AUTHORITARIAN PARENT?
- Do you often say: “because I said so” instead of explaining the rules?
- Does your child have little to no say about their decisions in life?
- Do you find yourself reserved when it comes to showing love and warmth to your children?
- Do you have very strict rules that you feel should be followed with no excuses?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you are an authoritarian parent. While the rules and structure are a necessity when it comes to healthy child development, there can be too much.
It is crucial to ensure that there is a balance of structure, communication, and warmth so that your child knows why the rules are meant to be followed.
Parenting with this style can cause your children to be shy or fearful, have low self-esteem or difficulty in social situations. In fact, this parenting style can also teach your children to associate obedience with love, which is a very negative association to make.
Adopting open lines of communication is very important at this time.
Nobody is perfect and if you find you are making mistakes with your parenting style, the best thing you can do is seek help.
Reading books, attending parenting classes and seeking the help of a professional are all avenues that you can take to become a more productive parent.
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