There are four general styles of parenting, according to psychologists. The four styles of parenting vary based on the level of parental involvement and influence on child behavior, physical health, and mental health. While most parents fall outside of one specific category, others fit into all four. While most researchers agree that uninvolved parenting offers little in the way of benefits, there are certain differences between the four styles. To determine which parenting style best suits your own family, read on to learn more about the four basic styles of parenting.
Authoritative
One of the most important parts of authoritative parenting is setting expectations. The child should understand that the rewards for doing something well are both for the child and for the parent. As a parent, you must set clear expectations and never give in to the demands of a child. It is important to be consistent in your efforts to raise a well-adjusted child, otherwise he or she may struggle to make choices in the future.
Another characteristic of authoritative parenting is the need for presence. This means that the child should feel included in the decision-making process and have some say in it. This style is beneficial for both parents and children. It can help you communicate more effectively with your child and help them feel understood. While it can be tempting to give in to a child's every desire, it can be beneficial to seek a therapist to help you achieve your goals.
Authoritarian
Authoritarian parenting is a form of strict discipline that relies heavily on punishment and a lack of warmth. It aims to create a rigid set of rules and enforce compliance, excluding the child from expressing their feelings and opinions. Children of an authoritarian parent do not feel valued and are often treated like an object. They lack the confidence to make decisions and are constantly nagging. They also don't trust their children to make good decisions and rely on fear and stern punishments.
While authoritarian parents may be strict and harsh with their children, loving and affectionate parents also show a lot of love. They don't hesitate to express their affection for their children and make sure they know they care. But, they may also punish the child if the child doesn't obey. If a child is rebelling against an authority figure, the parent is not interested in letting the child have any input or make decisions for themselves.
Permissive
Permissive parenting is a style whereby parents give a lot of freedom to their kids. They tend to be overly permissive in their interactions with them and don't enforce consequences. They may give their children back privileges if they beg or let them out of time-out early if they promise to be good. Children of permissive parents are emotionally dependent on their parents and have a lack of self-control and coping skills.
Permissive parenting doesn't have malicious intentions. Parents can be uninvolved due to long work hours or multiple jobs. These parents don't realize that providing more than the basics is important. It's also possible that they've experienced uninvolved parenting as a child. But if the parents are genuinely uninvolved, they might be trying to teach their kids the best way possible.
Neglectful
When parents fail to set firm limits and provide strong rules and boundaries for their children, they can be said to practice neglectful parenting. Children of these parents are likely to have lower self-esteem and confidence, and they may even seek out unhealthy role models. It is essential for parents to model their behavior as they want their children to follow suit. In addition, children of neglectful parents are more likely to exhibit delinquent behaviors and to experience emotional difficulties.
There are many signs that indicate a parent may be engaging in neglectful parenting. While some people may not intentionally neglect their children, many parents are simply not interested in taking care of their children. Uninvolved parents may be dealing with mental health issues or substance abuse, and they may be overwhelmed by household management or work. These parents may also be uninformed about the proper ways to raise children. Regardless of the cause, the children of such parents often show signs of lack of attachment and frequent behavior problems.
