Being a parent is one of the most challenging jobs a person can have. It’s also one of the most rewarding. But parenting comes with a lot of challenges. From dealing with tantrums to potty training, parenting can sometimes feel like a thankless job.
One challenge all parents face is figuring out what parenting style to use. There are many different parenting styles, and no one parenting style is perfect for every family. Each parenting style has its strengths and weaknesses. So whether you want to know which is the best parenting style or want to understand what type of parent you are, here are four parenting styles to be aware of.
Authoritative Parenting
One of the five types of parenting styles is authoritative parenting. This parenting style is a balance between being too strict and too permissive. Authoritative parents set clear rules and expectations for their children but also allow them to be independent and make their own decisions.
Authoritative parenting is considered to be the most effective parenting style. It produces children who are happy, successful, and well-adjusted. Authoritative parenting is sometimes called “conscious parenting” or “intentional parenting.”
If you’re an authoritative parent, you are probably parenting with good goals, like fostering your child’s independence, teaching them to be responsible, and preparing them for the real world. The authoritative parenting style can be challenging to maintain because it requires a lot of patience and consistency. But if you stick with it, your children will likely thank you later.
Permissive Parenting
The next on the list of different types of parenting styles is permissive parenting. It is also called “indulgent parenting.” This parenting style is characterized by very lenient parents with their children. They often give in to their children’s demands and do not set clear rules or expectations.
Permissive parenting can produce spoiled, entitled, and disrespectful children if not kept in check. Because permissive parenting does not set clear boundaries, it can also lead to children who have behavioral problems.
If you’re a permissive parent, you might want to consider parenting with a more authoritative parenting style. It will help your children learn to respect authority and develop appropriate behaviors. Though permissive parenting is easier in the short term, it can lead to long-term problems for your children.
Strict Parenting
The next parenting style on the list is strict parenting. This parenting style is also called “disciplinarian parenting” or “authoritarian parenting.” It is characterized by parents who are very strict with their children and have a lot of rules and expectations.
Strict parenting can produce obedient children, but they might also be resentful and have behavioral problems. It can also make children afraid to take risks or try new things. And that’s because strict parenting does not allow for much room for creativity or independence.
If you’re a strict parent, you might want to consider parenting with a more permissive parenting style. It will help your children learn to be independent and take risks. This type of parenting might only be the best parenting style in certain situations, though, like if your child is very disobedient. But don’t be too strict, or you might end up with a child who is afraid to try new things.
Uninvolved Parenting
The next parenting style is uninvolved parenting. It is characterized by parents who are not very involved in their children’s lives. They often do not set rules or expectations and do not provide much support.
Uninvolved parenting can produce neglected children, who have behavioral problems, and do not do well in school. And that’s because uninvolved parenting does not provide children the love and attention to thrive.
Every child deserves to be loved and supported to reach their full potential. You can’t just sit back and expect your child to turn out okay if you’re not parenting them actively. So make sure to be as involved as possible in your child’s life.
Final Thoughts
Parenting styles can produce different types of children. And there is no one “right” parenting style. The best parenting style is the one that works best for you and your family. So take some time to think about what parenting style you want to adopt. And remember, you can always change your parenting style if it’s not working out for you.
