Different Types of Parenting Styles
Parenting styles refer to how we hold control and support our children in every aspect of life and also measure the behavioral and performance standards we expect from our children. Here we highlighted a detailed discussion that will help you make an informed choice.
Parenthood is a journey that is anticipated with much excitement, joy, and apprehension. When it begins, an amalgamation of instincts, childhood experiences and ideas are been received from fellow parents, friends, and other sources merge to create a distinctive style of parenting, which is unique to each parent and family.
As parents, we may acknowledge the actions of our children with great affection and motivation and offer sensitive support. Sometimes we may use commands, negative comments, and threats to assure that our children meet our expectations. Important areas on expectations include culture, values, roles, and practices specific to individual family units.
Parenting through cultures and ages
All societies and cultures expect parents to nurture and raise their children with good moral values. They provide various parenting practices that are relevant to their contexts. In India, our scriptures and ancient thought leaders define parenting rules and ways to instill codes of beliefs and conduct in children.
The nature of the family whether it is a joint family or the single nuclear family contributes a significant role in determining the parenting styles. However, both types of families set the same parenting goals, the joint or extended family focus more on cooperative relationships, as family members rely greatly on each other. The nuclear family indulges in a child-centered style with great emphasis on individuality, character, as well as uniqueness.
Importantly, the way we inculcate values in our children changes and develops over time as they grow older.
The research defines the parenting styles under cultural contexts into four main categories - Authoritarian, Permissive, Neglectful, and Authoritative.
Authoritarian Parenting - Controlled child
Authoritarian parenting or 'do as I say in which parent takes control over complete responsibility for their child, makes all the decisions of their life, and expects the child to be obedient and act following their decision. This is order without freedom. With no scope for reasoning, discussion, or negotiation, rules are being made and compelled entirely by the parent.
Probable outcomes
•The child learns to deceive conceal mistakes and circumvent punishment.
•Lack of support in making decisions leaves them weak and vulnerable to peer pressure.
• The ability to acknowledge different points of view is being compromised. As a result, the child becomes judgmental which leads to rejection by peers.
• He finds it difficult to trust his capabilities, as harsh parental criticism leads to lower self-esteem of the children.
• The outcome of frustrations resulting from all this is being suppressed that exhibiting passive behavior in the children resulting in anger outbursts.
• They become highly aggressive toward authority as a teenager.
• The development of critical thinking ability is weakened.
• Other likely consequences include lowered academic performance, poor handling of relationships, and long-term personality-related concerns.
Permissive parenting - Indulged child
The permissive parent is excessive indulgence being given to the child's demands, to safeguard them from disappointments. They are been permitted to bend or break rules without knowing about the consequences.
Probable outcomes
• Making them decide their way all the time leads the child to expect the same behavior from peers, making them disfavored.
• They will learn to disrespect and disapprove of rules and have difficulty comprehending the seriousness of such offenses.
• They are ample with indiscriminate praise and develop an enlarged sense of self.
• Since they are not expected to be responsible for themselves, consequently they will learn to blame their parents and others for their lapses.
• They got authority in manipulating their submissive parents, feel entitled to be waited on, and defend themselves for shortcomings.
• Deep down they feel anxious.
Neglectful Parenting - Abandoned child
The neglectful parent rejects responsibility for their children and raises them without proper guidance or care. No rules are been defined and no relevant parent-child relationship exists. The members of the family hold on to a disconnected lifestyle.
Probable outcomes
• The child thrives on a stressful lifestyle.
• He starts relying on anyone who shows him some care.
• The child becomes vulnerable to anti-social influences or depression.
• He or she feels completely lost and uncared for, causing feelings of sadness and emotionally drained.
• The child weakened mental health will consequently affect his concentration and academic results.
Authoritative Parenting - Child-centered approach
The Authoritative Parent approves of equality more rather than relying on hierarchy and supports mutual decisions between parent and child. Rules are been explained and opinions and agreement are achieved through proper discussion, while the parent still retains ultimate authority.
In other words, we can say there is freedom within limits. The parent uses incredible ways to teach their child to differentiate between good and bad choices. They are being encouraged to become resilient by reflecting upon and they learn from mistakes and keep trying. The authoritative parent supports and teaches children how to survive in the world.
Probable outcomes
• The child gets to learn how to be courageous in handling what comes their way.
• They become self-motivated and work hard to attain goals through interest and effort.
• Their emotional stability is been enhanced, making them to better focused on academics and achievement.
• They learn to be assertive, value friendships and are cooperative, responsible, and caring.
There are various sub-categories of parenting styles. Here's we highlighted them.
Attachment Parenting
The parent is highly attached to the child's needs. The lifestyle includes extended periods of breastfeeding, constant nurturing touches, and letting the children share the parental bed. However, the concept behind attachment has been validated by research studies. But the practicing this style remains controversial and has not yet been corroborated by scientific studies.
Unconditional Parenting
The child's needs are being fulfilled unconditionally. It whirls around 'working with' the child rather than 'doing to the child. The parent's attention is not on the child's behavior and mistakes, but on loving the child in all ways.