Parenting Styles

There are six distinct parenting patterns. Each parenting style has a different effect on children, which can be seen and pinpointed depending on which parenting style was primarily used.

Below is a breakdown of the different styles with the effects.

Authoritarian - This brings an entire new meaning to the word “strict”. This parenting style is probably one of the hardest. Parents that use this style believe strongly in the hierarchy system and children have their place. They are forceful, and use punishment, and public shame as a means to control their children. There will not be any conversations as to why a task needs to be done; the term “because I said so” is more than sufficient. Children that are raised by this style tend to be “dependent, passive, conforming, less self-assured, less creative, and less socially adept.” (Heath p 32) They also are more prone to having relationship problems along with being at higher risk for substance abuse and crime.

Permissive – This style of parenting is rather relaxed. The parents don’t give many household duties, and they lack enforcing a routine and consistency. According to Heath this parents are typically unorganized and are ineffective at running their households. Children for the most part are allowed to behave as they like, resulting in lower academic achievement and lack of control over their impulses.

Indulgent – The good thing about Indulgent parenting is that they have been known to have the highest interaction with their children. On the other hand they are completely relaxed and are considered to be “push overs”. Indulgent parents to not set limits or enforce rules, they are the parents that I’m sure many children wish they had. The thought behind discipline is that they could potentially damage the child’s developing creativity. There are some negative effects of being raised by this style is that they children learn to be manipulative of others and “they tend to be irresponsible and immature.” (Heath p. 35)

Indifferent – This is probably the saddest parenting style there is. Indifferent parents for whatever reasons do not care. They do not provide any of the basic time or energy that helps children become well rounded adults. Not much is expected from the child, and discipline is a word that is unheard of. Children of indifferent parents have a list of potential issues ranging from low self-esteem, aggressiveness, and antisocial behavior problems. (Heath p 36)

Overprotective – This style of parenting is only recently becoming a “concern”, which in turn it is still relatively new to being studied. In many cases there are additional underlying factors that have caused the parent to be overprotective, which is considered acceptable by society. Sometimes the overprotection might drive from that parent’s inability “to exert their authority over a generation of youth”. (Heath p 37) There are 2 primary ways children that are raised by overprotective parents turn out. They can either be much more timid with most things, such as interactions, and life in general, or they can be completely wild. After many years of being told “No”,when a child of an overprotective parent gets “free”, the possibilities are endless.

And finally the parenting style I’m sure we all wish could/would/should be

Authoritative – These parents have found a way to balance nurturance, discipline and respect. The communication factor found in this style is what I would strive to achieve. They are controlling and demanding, while also being nurturing. There is respect that can be shared on both sides, the parent giving the child respect and the child respecting the parent. Obedience, standards and behavioral guidelines are all topics that can be discussed and agreed upon. Typically children from have more positive outcomes. (Heath, p 29)