4 Types of Parenting Styles and Their Impact On Children

I remember studying about the 4 types of parenting styles and their impact on children. This was in high school, well before I even thought about having children myself. But I remember thinking, oh when I am ready to have kids, I’ll be sure to choose the “correct” style of parenting. Now that I am a mother, I try my best to be aware of my parenting choices. In fact, every parent out there naturally desires to do the best they can and have a positive impact on their kids. Now the question is, are you aware of what parenting style you are exercising? You’d be surprised as to how many parents don’t give much thought to this.

The 4 types of parenting styles are a) authoritarian parenting b) authoritative parenting c)permissive parenting and d) uninvolved parenting. Each style can be identified by it’s characteristics. The authoritarian parent believes that kids should follow rules and guidelines without exception. The authoritative parent also have rules but they exercise consequences, and take the child’s opinion into account as well. Whereas the permissive parent is often lenient about decisions, choices and events. And the uninvolved parent is the one with little interest and knowledge about what the child is doing.

Most parents don’t fall into one category – although we may believe we are a certain type of parent, there are also times our actions may put us in another category. So do not stress or misjudge yourself. We are all trying our best and knowledge is power. The more you know about your parenting choices and are open to learning new and improved ways of parenting, know that you are equally eligible to win Mom/Dad of the Year award as anyone else.

Authoritarian ParentingThe authoritarian parenting stlye is focus on high demands but low responses. These parents demand blind obedience using reasons such as “because I said so”, “because I am your father/mother”. Authoritarian parents often use strict discipline and often do not response to the child’s need. These parents tend to not be nurturing. The child’s opinion is disregarded and they create rules and do not involve the child in problem-solving challenges.
Impact: Children raised by authoritarian parents often follow rules but their obedience comes at a price. They struggle with self-esteem and self-doubt. They have horrible social skills and perform low academically. They are prone to mental issues and exhibit behavioral problems.
Authoritative ParentingThe authoritative parenting style is focused on high demands and high responses. These parents have high expectations of maturity and development but they are also highly responsive to their children, warm and nurturing. They enforce rules but consider the child’s opinion too. They like to use reason and have an open discussion about matters. They validate the child’s feelings but also ensure they know that ultimately the parent is in charge. They are affectionate, supportive and encourage independence.
Impact: Children raised by authoritative parents often appear happy and confident. They know their self-worth and have a back-bone and safety net. They are successful in academics and in relationships. They have good social skills and self-esteem. They have better mental health and are less prone to violent behavior.
Permissive ParentingThe permissive parenting style is focused on low demand and high responses. These parents have less rules and boundaries for the child. They are reluctant to enforce rules. They have an internal fear of being rejected by their child or saying no to them or disappointing them. They are almost always warm and indulgent.
Impact: Children raised by permissive parents often cannot follow rules or boundaries, especially set by authority. They possess less self-control skills. They encounter more problems professionally, personally and in all social interactions. They often possess egocentric tendencies.
Uninvolved ParentingThe uninvolved parenting style is focused on low demand and low responses. These parents neither pose set rules and boundaries nor high expectations and standards. They are indifferent to their child’s behavior and show little to no interest in the child’s development and life in general. Researchers belief the uninvolved parent often suffer from mental issues themselves such as maternal depression, physical abuse or child neglect when they were kids.
Impact: Children raised by uninvolved (neglectful) parents are often impulsive and unable to self-regulate emotions. They are more delinquent and suffer from mental issues.

Message from BlushBassinet

The information above is based on Diana Baumrind’s (a developmental psychologist) work. Baumrind noticed that preschoolers possessed three different types of behavior – and they were closely related to a specific type of parenting. (1991).

After extensive studies, researchers agree that authoritative parenting style is the most effective and have the best outcome in children.