Parenting Style

Psychology identifies four different parenting styles. Do you know which style you use?

Authoritarian

Parents who exhibit authoritarian parenting are often controlling, strict, and not nurturing. They believe in stern discipline and punishment for not following rules and have high expectations with little flexibility. Unfortunately, children raised in such an environment tend to become less independent and unhappy, often developing feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. Furthermore, they may struggle with poor academic and social skills and may experience behavioral problems as a result.

Authoritative

Authoritative parents are those who are responsive and show a balance of strictness and warmth towards their children. They clearly state and justify rules and expectations while maintaining appropriate and open communication with their children. As a result, children of authoritative parents tend to be happy, independent, and have good self-esteem. They develop good social skills and achieve academic success. Moreover, children who have authoritative parents usually grow up to be responsible adults with good mental health.

Permissive

Permissive parents are loving and affectionate, but they are not very strict when it comes to enforcing rules. They prefer to have a friendly and open relationship with their children, where communication is always encouraged. Children brought up in such an environment tend to make their own decisions instead of following rules set by their parents, and as a result, they often lack self-discipline and are unable to follow rules. Such children tend to develop egocentric behavior as they grow up and often struggle with relationship problems in their adult lives.

Uninvolved

When parents are uninvolved, they neither show strictness nor warmth, and they tend to be neglectful towards their children. There is no specific discipline strategy, and communication between parents and children is lacking. Parents have no expectations from their children, which can result in children being impulsive and having difficulty regulating their emotions. As a consequence, children may develop mental health and behavioral problems. Children who have uninvolved parents may require support and help from others to survive.

As parents, it’s crucial to research our parental behavior and identify our shortcomings. Understanding our parenting style will help us become the parents we want to be!