Author: MJT
Exploring Different Types Of Parenting Styles
When you bring a newborn home for the first time, it can be
pretty scary. You feel like now that you're a parent, you're supposed to have
all the answers and know exactly how to raise your child. Often what you know
about parenting good or bad comes from the way your mother and father raised
you.
Child psychologists have done extensive research in the area
of parenting styles. They've found the methods can be broken down into three
main categories: authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative (also known as
balanced or democratic). No one style is correct, and many parents will use
techniques from all three parenting styles.
Authoritarian
Parents who are authoritarian believe in structure. While
not being abusive, they set high standards of behavior for their children and
require obedience. Adherents to this parenting style get little input from
their children when making decisions. This style may be good for children with
behavioral or conduct disorders because they need structure and authority.
However, if this is not the case, the child of authoritarian parents will often
have low self-esteem and rely more often on the voice of authority.
Permissive
While not being neglectful or careless, permissive parents let
their children make many decisions. They use this parenting style to encourage
creativity and spontaneity in their children. These parents use reasoning
rather than authority when setting limits. This is a good parenting style for
withdrawn children, but not for rebellious or aggressive children. This method
can sometimes result in immature behavior and an inability to control impulses.
Authoritative
The authoritative style of parenting is often seen as the
best. These parents are not particularly firm or permissive. They also will set
high standards for their children but leave some of the decision-making up to
each child. These parents reason with and listen to their children but don't
hesitate to insist on certain behaviors and limits. This parenting style works
well with middle-of-the-road children who are neither shy nor aggressive. It
helps children develop a sense of independence and self-sufficiency.
It is important to know that parents don't often use one
parenting style exclusively. But they do tend to lean toward one philosophy
more. The style that is used to bring up a child must take the child's
personality into account. What may work for one child might not be successful
for another child with a different personality.
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