Discovering the 7 Different Parenting Styles: Which One is Right For You?
Parenting is perhaps the most crucial and challenging part of human development. Every parent wants to provide the best for their children, but the methods used to raise them differ greatly. There are seven distinct parenting styles, each with its own merits and shortcomings. Knowing which one fits your child’s personality and your parenting philosophy is essential. Let’s explore the 7 different parenting styles and how to find the one that suits you and your child.
Authoritarian Parenting
Authoritarian parents are strict enforcers of rules and order in the family. Disobedience is not tolerated, and parental control is absolute. Children are expected to follow their parents’ decisions without question, and failure to do so may result in harsh punishment. Authoritarian parenting is often justified by parents believing they know what is best for their children and that imposing strict, non-negotiable rules will protect them from harm.
Authoritarian parenting can create obedient and respectful children, but it often comes at the cost of anxiety, insecurity, and resentment towards parents. Children raised under authoritarian parenting may struggle with decision-making, problem solving, and communication skills.
Permissive Parenting
Permissive parenting subjects children to little or no boundaries or rules and allows children to do what they want. Parents often prioritize their children’s happiness and do not like disciplinary action or saying no. Children brought up in this parenting style regularly have a great deal of freedom, with little sense of limitation.
Permissive parenting often leads to children who struggle with boundaries and authority figures, have a low tolerance for frustration, and struggle with self-control. Permissive parenting can also lead to problems academically, socially, and in the form of overdependence on their parents.
Authoritative Parenting
Authoritative parents are often considered the golden mean of parenting styles. They establish reasonable limitations, but they still maintain communication with their children. Authoritative parents encourage and support their children while guiding them. Respect is given to the child and is favorable for obtaining long-term goals.
Authoritative parenting results in children who have self-confidence and the ability to make their decisions while appreciating authority figures, are trustworthy and straightforward, and have developed social relationships with others.
Uninvolved Parenting
Uninvolved parenting styles offer little involvement, whether emotionally, physically, or mentally, in a child’s life. Parents do not meet the needs of their children, leaving their children to fend for themselves. Uninvolved parenting can result from several reasons such as emotional distance, substance abuse, mental illness, or lack of knowledge about parenting.
Uninvolved parenting can result in children who have self-esteem issues, poor socialization abilities, and low tolerance for stress. Children raised in an atmosphere of uninvolved parenting may also exhibit behavioral or emotional problems, such as misconduct issues in school and delinquency.
Attachment Parenting
Attachment parenting aims to establish an immediate attachment with a newborn and focuses on keeping them close throughout their first few years of life. This method is frequently referred to as natural parenting. Attachment parenting transforms the home into a continuously nurturing environment.
Attachment parenting can result in an era of compassionate, imaginative, and self-sufficient children who are capable of overcoming new experiences with trust and ease.
Helicopter Parenting
Helicopter parenting occurs when parents micromanage their children’s lives to the greatest extent possible. Parents may want to protect their children from any form of adversity, which can stifle creativity and self-expression. Helicopter parenting can result in overly reliant children, who become hesitant to make decisions without the approval of their parents.
Positive Parenting
Positive parenting is rooted in the practice of gentle guidance, supporting, and appreciating children, and reflecting to them on their behavior. These parents often use constructive communication methods to deal with their children’s behavior. Positive parenting allows children to learn from their mistakes and encourages self-reflection.
Positive parenting can help to produce emotionally and physically safe children who are confident, imaginative, helpful, and inventive.
Conclusion
Parenting, like any other activity, has a set of best practices, and knowing the appropriate techniques and style to use with your child can be of great significance. As we have seen, the seven different parenting styles have their own merits and demerits. Understanding which parenting style fits the child’s personality and your parenting philosophy can make a significant difference in delivering a positive and nurturing home atmosphere.
