Parenting has always been tough and ever since we become parents we adopt a particular style of parenting knowingly or unknowingly. And note that the style of parenting we follow impacts the child’s development.
Diana Baumrind, a psychologist, proposed a commonly accepted framework for classifying parenting approaches based on her research in the 1960s and 1970s. Subsequent studies by other researchers added two more parenting philosophies to the three she had originally recognized. In this blog, we tell you about the five approaches to parenting (and hence five types of parents) so you can adopt the best parenting style and raise your children successfully.
Authoritative Parenting
- How does an Authoritative Parent Behave?
Authoritative parents are responsive and demanding. In addition to establishing firm guidelines and expectations, they show their kids affection, support, and attention.
- What are the Characteristics of an Authoritative Parent?
These parents are loving, supportive of their children’s freedom, and communicate openly with them. They provide for a respectable level of liberty and independence while remaining firm and flexible.
Authoritarian Parenting
- How does an Authoritarian Parent Behave?
Parents who are authoritarian tend to be very demanding and unresponsive. They may employ punishment to regulate conduct and expect conformity without much justification.
- What are the Characteristics of an Authoritarian Parent?
Authoritarian parents may not allow for a lot of open communication, but they do enforce strong norms and high standards. There is little space for bargaining and the emphasis is on adhering to the regulations.
Permissive Parenting
- How does a Permissive Parent Behave?
Permissive parents are receptive but not strict. They may avoid establishing firm boundaries and are generous and lenient.
- What are the Characteristics of a Permissive Parent?
Although they may have trouble establishing clear guidelines and enforcing boundaries, permissive parents are kind and understanding. Youngsters brought up in permissive settings may struggle to exercise self-control and adhere to rules.
Neglectful/Uninvolved Parenting
- How does a Neglectful Parent Behave?
Parents that are uninvolved or neglectful are not strict nor accommodating. They are typically absent from their child’s life and offer nothing in the way of direction or assistance.
- What are the Characteristics of a Neglectful Parent?
These parents could be emotionally aloof and insensitive to the needs of their kids. A child’s growth and wellbeing may suffer as a result of negligent parenting.
Helicopter Parenting
The fifth parenting style – Helicopter parenting, is a recently evolved one and groups over-involved parents who are present in every aspect of their child’s life. They are also referred to as ‘snow plows’ because they constantly and consistently micromanage their kids.
- How does a Helicopter Parent Behave?
Over-involvement in their children’s lives is a characteristic of helicopter parents. Their tendency is to constantly supervise their kids, keeping a tight eye on their whereabouts and frequently stepping in to resolve disputes or difficulties.
- What are the Characteristics of a Helicopter Parent?
Overly involved parents may impede their children’s growth in independence and problem-solving abilities, even when they are deeply invested in their success and well-being.
Follow the parenting styles chart below for a quick glance of the five styles of parenting.
Conclusion
We just threw some light on the different parenting styles here. If you have not yet given a thought on what kind of a parent you are now is the time to do it. Before we wind up, it’s crucial to remember that these are merely idealized versions of the styles; real parenting approaches might range widely or incorporate aspects of multiple approaches. Parenting styles can also be influenced by individual differences and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Four Parenting Styles?
The four parenting styles are:
Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive and Neglectful.
2. Which Parenting Style is Best?
Authoritative parenting is the best parenting style and the most recommended one as it is a combination of clear communication and understanding which will help in raising emotionally stable adults.
3. Which is the Strictest Parenting Style?
Authoritarian parenting is considered as a strict style of parenting since it places high expectations on children.