Parenting Styles

Parenting Styles

Parenting Styles
In 1971 Diana Baumrind identified three different styles of parenting: authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive.   The last style of parenting was divided into two separate forms in 1983 when E.E. Maccoby and J.A. Martin took a closer look at Baumrind’s research.   They are permissive indulgent and permissive neglectful.   To be an effective parent, it was agreed by all researchers, that support and direction were imperative.   Parenting style affects all aspects of a child’s life.   It matters whether parents are strict or permissive, accepting and responsive, or rejecting and unresponsive.

Authoritative parenting is the most effective style of parenting.   The approach requires a parent to be firm, demanding, and consistent.   Children know what is expected of them and rarely get confused over their role in the parent-child relationship.   Communication is key for the authoritative parent.   They discuss everything with their children and expect that their children will feel comfortable enough to come to them with any problem or question.   There are no surprises for the children of this parenting style.   They know who, what, where, when, why, and how of all situations before they are placed into them by their parents.   They are always apprised of what is expected of them and thus know how to behave once in the situation.   Children are allowed and encouraged to have their own opinion, but they may not be disrespectful when expressing it even if they disagree.   Expectations of the children to succeed are high.   Academics are stressed as most important and parents expect that their children will strive to do their best.   The children are expected to respect their teachers, but know that if they need their parents to intervene in a difficult situation, they will.   These children tend to be compassionate and feel for others because so much love and care has been expressed to them.   It is easy to see why this is the most effective form of parenting....