What Are The Different Parenting Styles Used By Families (Essay Sample)

Parenting Styles: What Are the Different Parenting Styles Used By Families

People are different and some of the things that some of us have adopted is solely because of our backgrounds. The styles of parenting are a good example of how our backgrounds have led us to believe in different things. Every parent often has something to say about how children should or should not be raised. While some believe in being strict and directional, others believe that children need to an independent space and that they should also be allowed to make some decisions. However, it is essential to note that there is no single perfect way of raising children and each way has its flaws. Every child-parent relationship is different and not all parents expect to have a close relationship with their children. Some see their children as people who need to be thought and made decisions for while others believe in raising freethinkers. The above differences means that we have different parenting styles which also have different characteristics. Below is a closer look at each of the four main styles of parenting.

Authoritative

To many people, this type of parenting is the most effective form. Parents who are authoritative often have rules set for their children and also have set high expectations for them as well. They are strict and every mistake or any misdemeanor especially against the rules is met with a consequence. However, despite being strict, they are also responsive to their children and always offer an ear to their children. A majority of parents who embrace this method often entertain open communication with their children. These parents are also not judgmental and often seem to respond objectively to everything their children brings to them. To most people, authoritative parenting seems to offer the best environment for children to grow into free-thinking, and responsible adults.

Neglectful

Neglectful parenting is quite dangerous and is the most harmful form of parenting. Parents who embrace this style are distant with their children and never seem to understand what is happening in the lives of their children. The environment at home can accurately be described as harmful and unsafe for children and most of the time, the parents are away from home. Children who live in such an environment often fail to build a trusting foundation with their parents and to some extent see their parents as strangers. It is often reported that neglectful parenting also affects children even after they grow up because most of them will find it difficult to form healthy relationships with other people.

Permissive

Permissive parenting is considered the second most harmful type of parenting. While these parents are responsive to their children and seem to want to build a relationship with them, they fail by being less demanding. Children raised under this style often have everything they want and grow up thinking the world will always hearken to their call and cries. Permissive parents tend to be lenient and never want to ‘anger’ their children by setting targets for them or getting into healthy confrontations with them. While these parents are indeed loving and also try to create a healthy environment for their children, they also fail to make their children understand that there should be boundaries. Families with this type of parenting lack a basic structure and children appear to be making important decisions without consulting their parents.

Authoritarian

This type of parenting is quite similar to the authoritative type in that in both styles, parents set rules and boundaries for their children. However, unlike authoritative parenting, authoritarian parents are unresponsive and often create a damaging environment for their children. There is often no communication with their children and there is over reliance on punishment. Authoritarian parents seek obedience from their children but never want to indulge them about their lives. Children often grow up fearing their parents and never forge any kind of relationship with them.

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