“The thing about parenting rules is there aren’t any. That’s what makes it so difficult.”
– Ewan McGregor
Parenting has to be easily one of the most fascinating and challenging jobs to exist. No matter how many books are read, no matter how many people share their experiences, it is never easy to master it. There will always be something that’s yet to learn. The reason for this is not because parenting is tough, it is so because it is subjective. Each parent has a different experience with each child, and each child is different too. That’s why parenting seems like such a nightmare.
While there is no perfect form of parenting, here are the 4 most widely discussed parenting styles:
Authoritarian or Disciplinarian
Parents who practice this type of parenting style possess strong and rigid beliefs over their ideas. Such parents tend to create a code of behaviour, which the child is expected to follow strictly. Such parents use punishment rather than discipline as a consequence of disobedience.
Such parents enforce authority over the child. Some outcomes of this type of parenting are that, the child being obedient, respecting authority, and abiding by a given code of conduct.
Permissive or Indulgent
Permissive parenting is in contrast to authoritarian parenting. Such parents demand less from their child and let them make their own decisions, thereby portraying high support. Such parents don’t use punishment as a consequence of disobedience and treat the child as their friend.
This type of parenting is based on the belief that a child will best blossom into a responsible adult only when they are given proper love, care, and support.
Uninvolved
Parents who practice this form of parenting are the most liberal. They generally stay out of their child’s way and let them have control of their lives. While this might be a conscious decision for some parents, some are simply ignorant of their child’s needs. Uninvolved parenting doesn’t involve any discipline style and the communication is minimum in most of the cases.
This style of parenting might appear to be the most desirable. However, the problem with this style is that the parent should know exactly when to let the child be independent and when the parent should provide guidance and support.
Authoritative
Authoritative parenting includes the best traits of authoritarian and permissive parenting. Such parents set clear expectations from the child and strike a fine balance between providing guidance and understanding the child’s needs.
They also lay proper and justified disciplinary rules, and the communication is frequent and adequate with the child.
In a Nutshell
Each parenting style has its own merits and shortcomings. However, years of experience and studies suggest that authoritative parenting style is more effective than others, in terms of academic, social emotional and behavioural aspects. It should also be remembered that there are other factors that influence a child’s development, than just parenting style.
Very few fit perfectly into one particular parenting style. More often than not, most parents raise children in a combination of these parenting styles.
Which parenting style do you think you are?
What is your opinion about these parenting styles?
What do you think is the most appropriate style for Indian parents and children?
We would like to hear your thoughts and comments on parenting and parenting styles.
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