Credit: Unsplash
Parenting is one of the most influential factors in a child’s development, shaping their behavior, personality, and overall well-being. Among the various approaches parents take, psychological parenting styles stand out for their profound impact on a child’s growth. Understanding these parenting styles and their effects is crucial for fostering healthy well-adjusted children. By recognizing how different approaches shape a child's world, parents and caregivers can better support their children’s journey.
Psychologists have discovered 4 primary parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved. Distinct patterns of behavior and interaction between parents and children characterize each style. Understanding these styles and their effects can help parents choose the most beneficial approach for their child's needs.
The authoritative style is often considered the most balanced and effective. Parents who adopt this style combine high expectations with warmth, support, and open communication. They set clear rules and guidelines but also encourage independence and critical thinking. For example, an authoritative parent might enforce a set bedtime but when the child asks for a later bedtime on weekends, the parent listens and agrees to extend bedtime slightly, emphasizing the need for adequate sleep. Another example is when a child struggles with homework, an authoritative parent might offer assistance but also encourage self-reliance and problem-solving. This approach fosters a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, and confidence in children, as they learn the reasons behind rules and develop their own decision-making skills.
The authoritarian style is characterized by strict rules and high expectations, with an emphasis on obedience and discipline. There is no room for negotiations, and rules are not typically explained to the child. Authoritarian parents expect their children to do as they say with no error. When mistakes are made this results in punishment. Usually, authoritarian parents are less nurturing and are limited in flexibility. For example, an authoritarian parent might implement a strict curfew and enforce it rigidly, punishing the child for any infraction without considering the child's perspective or explaining the reasoning behind the rule. If a child asks why they must complete their homework before playing the parent might respond with, “Because I said so,” rather than providing a rationale. This approach can lead to children who are obedient and proficient at following rules but lack self-esteem, social skills, and independent decision-making.
The permissive parenting style is identified through a lenient approach, where parents set few rules and rarely enforce consistent boundaries. These parents are nurturing and communicative, often acting more like friends than authority figures. For example, a permissive parent might allow their child to stay up as late as they want, even on school nights resulting in inconsistent sleep patterns and potential academic issues. If a child refuses to do their homework a permissive parent might not insist on it, prioritizing the child’s immediate happiness rather than the long-term discipline. While the approach can create a close, affectionate relationship between parent and child, it often leads to children struggling with self-discipline, authority, and limits, as they are not accustomed to structure or accountability.
The uninvolved parenting style is characterized by a lack of responsiveness to a child's needs. Parents who adopt this style often exhibit minimal interaction, emotional involvement, and supervision of their children. They provide the necessary necessities such as food and shelter but show little affection, guidance, or support in other areas. This parenting approach can lead to children feeling neglected, developing low self-esteem, and experiencing difficulties in social relationships and academic performance.
The Effects
Credit: Unsplash
Children raised by authoritative parents tend to be well-rounded, confident, and socially adept adults. This balanced parenting style, which combines high expectations with emotional support and open communication, fosters a strong sense of self-discipline and independence in children. As they grow older these individuals often exhibit higher levels of self-esteem and are more adept at handling stress and adversity. They have the ability to manage their emotions more effectively. Since these parents encouraged independence, their children learn how to accomplish their goals independently. Typically, these children have higher performance in academics.
Credit: Unsplash
Children raised by authoritarian parents often grow up to face several challenges in adulthood. Due to the strict punishment of their upbringing, individuals may struggle with self-esteem and exhibit a high level of obedience but lack confidence in their own decision-making abilities. They might experience difficulties in social situations, as the lack of open communication during their childhood can result in poor interpersonal skills and a tendency to shy away from expressing their own opinions or emotions. Additionally, these adults have a higher risk of developing anxiety or depression, stemming from the pressure and lack of emotional support they experienced as children.
Credit: Unsplash
Children raised by permissive parents often face unique challenges as they transition into adulthood. The lenient and indulgent nature of permissive parenting, characterized by few rules and minimal discipline, can lead to difficulties in regulation and accountability. As adults, these individuals might struggle with maintaining boundaries and adhering to societal norms, as they were not accustomed to consistent limits during their upbringing. They may also exhibit issues with authority, having grown up with little experience in following structured rules or receiving constructive criticism. Additionally, the lack of discipline and high levels of indulgence result in impulsive behaviors and difficulties in delaying gratification, which could affect their relationships and career success.
Credit: Unsplash
Children raised by uninvolved parents often face significant challenges as they grow up. The lack of emotional support and guidance can lead to issues with self-esteem and self-worth, as they may internalize the neglect and feel unworthy of attention or affection. These children might struggle with forming healthy relationships, as they haven’t experienced strong positive connections at home. Academically, they might perform poorly due to a lack of encouragement and involvement from their parents in their educational activities. Furthermore, they are at higher risk of behavioral problems, such as increased aggression or defiance, as they haven’t learned appropriate ways to manage their emotions and behaviors. In adulthood, they may encounter difficulties in establishing stable careers and maintaining emotional stability.
References
Jessup University. (n.d.). The Psychology Behind Different Types of Parenting Styles. Jessup University. Retrieved June 10, 2024, from https://jessup.edu/blog/academic-success/the-psychology-behind-different-types-of-parenting-styles/
National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Types of Parenting Styles and Effects On Children. NCBI. Retrieved June 10, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568743/