Parenting Styles

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What are the types Of Parenting Styles

According to research, three styles have been found to be associated with different behaviour and the personality traits of children. These are the permissive, authoritarian and democratic styles.

The three parenting styles may not be so distinct in actual practice. Most parents have a dominant style of parenting that they use throughout their child' s life, but circumstances and relationship dynamics frequently produce a mix of styles.

1) The Permissive Parent

Permissive parents typically spend a lot of time communicating, negotiating and reasoning with their children. Their relationship with their children is warm and accepting. Their focus is on building up their children's self-esteem. Children of permissive parents are encouraged to think for themselves, overcome inhibitions, and to embrace individuality rather than conformity. Permissive parents set few rules, and may not establish consistent and clear limits on behaviour. Permissive parents often take a 'hands-off' approach, allowing children to learn from the consequences of their actions. Misbehaviour is usually not addressed, and few demands are made on children for mature independent behaviour.

2) The Authoritarian Parent

Authoritarian parents use control to teach right from wrong, and are quick to react to discipline problems. The emphasis is on 'teaching respect' and 'providing structure. Children are discouraged from negotiating with or questioning their parents' decisions. Authoritarian parents are usually quite strict. They expect their children to behave according to an unbending set of rules, and any misbehaviour tends to warrant harsh and punitive measures. Authoritarian parents may impose many rules, but these are often not explained clearly. An authoritarian parent values obedience, and seldom is the child's wishes or opinions listened to.

3) The Democratic Parent

Democratic parents allow their children quite a bit of freedom, but at the same time, they set clear behavioural standards. They impose simple rules and reasonable consequences for breaking the rules. These parents will take time to discuss with their children the reasons for these rules. Learning to take responsibility is a high priority. Children are given plenty of practice in making choices, and are guided to see the consequences of these. Misbehaviour is handled with an appropriate 'punishment' , children are encouraged to find alternative and acceptable ways to meet their desires. Democratic parents usually have warm relationships with their children and are sensitive to their child's needs and views. They are quick to praise their children's achievements, and are clear in their expectations of them.