Types of Parenting Styles

Overview

Parenting style refers to the approach that parents take when raising their children. It involves the combination of strategies, behaviors, and attitudes that parents use to meet their children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs. Parenting styles can significantly impact a child’s development and affect their behavior, academic performance, self-esteem, and overall well-being. 

Parents need to understand their parenting style and make adjustments to provide their children with the best possible environment for growth and development.

We will explore the four parenting styles and their effects on children:

1. Authoritarian Parenting Style

Strict rules, high expectations, and little warmth or support characterize the authoritarian parenting style. Authoritarian parents believe that children should obey their authority without question, and they often use harsh discipline and punishment to maintain control. They tend to have a “my way or the highway” attitude and do not allow much room for negotiation or compromise.

Children of authoritarian parents tend to be obedient and disciplined but may struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. They may also have difficulty making decisions independently, working with social skills, and forming relationships.

2. Authoritative Parenting Style

A balance of high expectations and support characterizes the authoritative parenting style. Authoritative parents set clear rules and boundaries but also take the time to explain their reasoning and offer guidance and support. They encourage their children to express their opinions and ideas and allow for negotiation and compromise when appropriate.

Children of authoritative parents tend to be independent, confident, and socially competent. They have strong self-esteem and are better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks.

3. Permissive Parenting Style

A lack of rules, structure, and guidance characterizes a permissive parenting style. Permissive parents tend to be lenient and non-confrontational, and they may avoid disciplining their children to avoid conflict. They often give in to their children’s demands and do not set clear boundaries or expectations.

Children of permissive parents may struggle with self-discipline and self-control. They may also have difficulty with authority figures and may work with social skills and forming relationships.

4. Uninvolved Parenting Style

An uninvolved parenting style is characterized by a lack of emotional and physical involvement in the child’s life. Uninvolved parents tend to be neglectful and may provide basic needs such as food and shelter but do not offer emotional support or guidance. They often have little interest in their child’s life and maybe preoccupied with their issues or problems.

Children of uninvolved parents may struggle with emotional and behavioral problems like depression, anxiety, and aggression. They may also have difficulty forming healthy relationships and may work with academic performance and social skills.

Many schools like American curriculum schools do not encourage this parenting style.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Parenting Styles

Each parenting style has advantages and disadvantages, and parents need to understand them to make informed decisions on raising their children.

Authoritarian Parenting Style:

Advantages:

• Children raised in authoritarian parenting are often disciplined, obedient, and have high achievement levels.
• Strict rules and expectations provide a sense of structure and stability for children.

Disadvantages:

• Children may have low self-esteem, fear, and difficulty making decisions independently. They might not share moments of grief with parents due to fear.
• The lack of warmth and support may lead to a strained parent-child relationship, and children may have difficulty trusting others.

Authoritative Parenting Style:

Advantages:

• Children raised in authoritative parenting tend to be independent, confident, and socially competent.
• The balance of high expectations and support can help children develop strong self-esteem and resilience.

Disadvantages:

• Parents may need to spend more time and energy explaining their reasoning and providing guidance, which can be challenging for some parents.
• Children may struggle with authority figures and have difficulty handling setbacks or challenges.

Permissive Parenting Style:

Advantages:

• Children raised in a permissive parenting style may feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions.
• The lack of strict rules and expectations may allow children to develop their own decision-making skills and creativity.

Disadvantages:

• Children may struggle with self-discipline and self-control, leading to behavioral and emotional problems.
• The lack of structure and guidance may lead to clarity and certainty, and children may need help forming healthy relationships and academic performance.

Uninvolved Parenting Style:

Advantages:

• Parents may have more time and energy to focus on their interests and careers.
• Children may learn to be more independent and self-sufficient at an early age.

Disadvantages:

• Children raised in an uninvolved parenting style may feel neglected and unsupported and struggle with emotional and behavioral problems.
• The lack of guidance and supervision may lead to risky behavior and poor decision-making skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, parenting styles can significantly impact a child’s development and well-being. The authoritative parenting style is the most effective approach, as it balances high expectations and support and allows children to develop a sense of independence and self-esteem. On the other hand, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved parenting styles can negatively affect a child’s development and lead to emotional and behavioral problems.