Parenting Styles.....

Every parent aspires to raise kids who are self disciplined, confident, smart, et al but we some times are not too sure of the best parenting style. 

One of the interesting things about being a parent is that there is great variation in how we raise our children. At the same time, there are many commonalities from one parent to another.

However, there are 4 common parenting styles:

1) Authoritarian or Disciplinarian are usually strict, with little or no negotiation, and punishment is a regular. Communication is mostly one way - from parent to child. With no explanation of rules.

Parents with this style are typically less nurturing, expectations are high with limited flexibility.



2) Permissive or Indulgent parents
mostly indulge their children, they offer limited guidance, rules are limited, and the children figure problems and solutions out on their own. This parenting style is more like friendship than parent and child relationship.

Communication is open. Expectations are typically minimal or not set by these parents.

2) Uninvolved or Hands off
Uninvolved parents give children a lot of freedom and generally stay out of their way. Some parents may make a conscious decision to parent in this way, while others are less interested in parenting or unsure of what to do.

No particular discipline style is utilized. An uninvolved parent lets a child mostly do what he wants, probably out of a lack of information or caring. Communication is limited.

This group of parents offer little nurturing. There are few or no expectations of children.

4) Authoritative or Helicopter
Authoritative parents are reasonable, nurturing, and set high, clear expectations. Children with parents who demonstrate this style tend to be self-disciplined and think for themselves.

Communication is frequent and appropriate to the child’s level of understanding. Expectations and goals are high but stated clearly. Children may have input into goals.

This style is thought to be most beneficial to children. Disciplinary rules are clear and the reasons behind them are explained.

While it is easier for the family when both parents practice the same style of parenting, some research shows that if at least one parent is authoritative, that is better for the child than having two parents with the same 'less effective' style.

It might interest you to know that only a few of us fit neatly into a single parenting style, but rather raise children using a combination of styles. Think of the four styles as a CONTINUUM instead of four DINSTINCT ways to parent.

Ideally, we think about our children and what they need from us at specific points in time. For example, while a parent might not typically adopt an authoritarian parenting style, there might be times in a child’s life when that style is needed.

While we try to parent 'right', we should endeavour to be FAIR, FIRM, yet FRIENDLY when disciplining our children.

Also, we certainly cannot rule out the fact that there are more influences on who children become than just parenting style. They are: - The child’s temperament and external (teachers, peers, etc) influence.


Let's talk! which of these parenting styles are you using to raise smart, confident and self disciplined children? I am a 'helicopter mom' with tad bit of authoritarian and permissive styles when the need be.

#copied
~ BV CbL