Parenting Styles and Preferences | Child Safety Articles | 4akid

Parenting Styles and Preferences

There are many different styles of parenting. You may have envisioned yourself to become one style, but once you have the child, your style might change. However, it is so important for you as a parent to keep working on your parenting style, as this will ultimately determine the type of person your child grows up to be, as it effects their self confidence, self-esteem, competency and above all, their happiness.

Diana Baumind came up with 4 parenting styles which this article will develop, but there are other parenting styles, and it is up to you as a parent to decide what type you are and what style is best for your unique child.

• Authoritarian – This is a very demanding and authority based style, where the relationship between you and your child is strict and governed by rules and punishment. The child is told what to do and say, and the orders are to be obeyed without explanation. The problem with this style is it does not allow kids to think for themselves and they often tend to rebel. Studies have shown they also have lower self esteem and are not as happy.

• Authoritative – This has a firm demanding presence where there are boundaries and routines set in place, however this style also encourages children’s say, and the child’s own independence. This parenting style is viewed as the most consistent and balanced type. It involves listening to your children, being warm and nurturing, but also having consequences for bad behaviour. This style is more democratic and allows children to voice their own opinions. It is therefore assertive to a degree but not too restrictive. Kids brought up with this style are seen to have a higher self esteem, are mare capable of making decisions and will ultimately end up being more successful than they other styles.

• Indulgent – This is a style where the parent has little demands, and is far less restrictive. It is a more easy going and laid back parenting style. There are few demands placed on children and it is a far more lenient environment. In addition it is a very nurturing atmosphere where the parents act more like friends than parents. Studies have shown that children who are brought up with this parenting style have good self esteem, but they have problems with respecting rules, and will therefore grow up with challenges in dealing with various types of authority.

• Uninvolved/Neglective – This parenting style shows children little or no warmth. There are also no boundaries or rules. These children purely get the basic necessities like food and shelter, and nothing more. There is limited communication between parents and children. This is the most neglective type of parenting and has serious consequences for the child. The child will usually grow up to be less competent, have lower self-esteem and are less likely to succeed.

There are also many other different types of parenting styles, such as:

• Responsive – This method encourages children to regulate their own behaviour and develop their own individuality. The parents solely respond to their child’s needs and desires, and very few rules are set in place.
• Attachment Parenting – With this type the parents ultimate and only goal is to form an emotional bond between them and their child. They avoid any forms of physical punishment and the parents are constantly trying to gain a holistic understanding of the child. They neglect bad behaviour as they want to retain the close emotional attachment with their child. This can be very problematic, especially as the child develops and tries to move on with their own life.
• Overparenting – This style is where the parent involves themselves completely in the child, and in every aspect of their lives. They try solve all the child’s problems and keep their child in their own little bubble, which is very problematic to their own unique development.

So which parenting style is yours? It is up to you as a parent to decide which style to use, but remember all the negative and positive effects this can have on your child. As a parent you need to keep developing your own style, especially as your child develops too. Choose one that fits in with your family, but also one which will give your child the best care they need and the tools they can use to develop themselves and grow into a healthy and happy child.