Parenting: Am I Doing it Right? : 3 Different Styles

Parents are the first educators in their child’s lives and they have an enormous responsibility in the initial years of teaching them right from wrong and helping them to understand how to become socially acceptable. This article explores the three types of parenting and the pros and cons of each.



THE DIFFERENT STYLES OF PARENTING

There are three styles of parenting and these are commonly known as:

1. Permissive
2. Authoritarian
3. Authoritative


1. Permissive Parents

This kind of parenting is actually becoming more and more popular as a result of modern attitudes to children. The common view is that children should have a say in the way they lead their lives and, to some extent, this is favourable however, it is when the permissive parenting style adopts a ‘couldn’t care less’ or ‘let them get on with it’ attitude when the problems will begin to surface. All children need limits and boundaries in order to feel safe and secure and sometimes the lack of structure present in the permissive style of parenting can cause confusion for the children and chaos for the family.

Advantages:

* Flexibility
* Relationships between child and parent are often close and loving
* There is little need for confrontation as the child is usually allowed what they want
* The child learns how to manage their own behaviour by being allowed freedom
* There is no opportunity for the child to be punished physically
* The child is not shouted at or verbally reprimanded
* The child is included in discussions about behaviour

Disadvantages:

* The child may find it difficult to work within boundaries
* The child may not understand what is and is not allowed
* The child may expect to ‘get away’ with inappropriate behaviour when outside the home


2. Authoritarian Parents

Often referred to as a ‘Victorian’ approach to parenting, authoritarian parents are old-fashioned in their approach to bringing up children and are often of the belief that children today are given too much freedom and, as a result, lack values and respect. Authoritarian parents have fixed routines and rules which they expect their children to abide by.

Advantages:

* The child will find working within boundaries easy
* The child will have a clear view of what is and is not acceptable behaviour
* The child will feel safe and secure
* The child will find adjusting to settings outside of the home easy

Disadvantages:

* There may be a lot of confrontations between the child and parent
* The parent may resort to physical violence
* The parent may resort to shouting
* The child may feel trapped
* The child may feel bullied
* The child may rebel at a later stage
* The child may have little opportunity to express themselves
* There is little room for flexibility



3. Authoritative Parents

A mix between permissive and authoritarian styles of parenting, authoritative parents are capable of allowing their child the freedom to ‘be themselves’ whilst retaining the overall say in how things are done. Although authoritative parents lay down rules and set boundaries they take the time to explain these rules and boundaries and to listen to their children. They have realistic views of what their child is likely to achieve and take a firm but fair attitude.

Advantages:

* The child has clear and consistent rules and boundaries
* The child has a good understanding of what is expected of them
* The relationship between the parent and child is often one based on love, trust and mutual respect

Disadvantages:

* It can, at times, be difficult to find and maintain a balance
* Despite a positive approach, children may still feel ‘hard done by’ particularly if their friends’ parent’s are more permissive.

This article has been put together by the distance learning organisation Start Learning who are experts in home study. If you want to find out more about Complete Child Care or many other distance learning courses please browse their website: Start Learning

A good way to find out about Complete Child Care, and perhaps start a new career, is to sign up for a distance learning course on the subject. By studying in your free time and pace, you can gain the necessary knowledge while tailoring it to suit your schedule.

Kerrana McAvoy
Academic Director – Start Learning
Start Learning

Was this helpful? 0 0 Comments

You're reading Parenting: Am I Doing it Right? : 3 Different Styles.