Traditional Parenting Styles

Raising kids is not much different than riding a rollercoaster with all its ups and downs plus making a ton of decisions along the way. One decision you’ll need to make is how you will choose to raise your children. 

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Whether it’s the nurturing path of parenting, the structured approach of authoritative parenting or a mix of parenting styles. There are plenty of styles out there, each with its own beliefs and techniques. 

By understanding these approaches you can guide your way through the journey of parenting and discover what works best with your your values and goals.

But first, just a friendly reminder;

Parenting doesn't come with a rulebook where every parent has their approach, chances are your parenting style is a mix of styles. During those moments when doubt creeps in, remember that parenting is freaking hard, no kid is perfect and you are doing a great job!

Understanding Primary Parenting Styles:

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In the 1960’s Diana Baumrind identified the first 3 styles of parenting authoritative, permissive and authoritarian. Twenty years later researchers Eleanor Maccoby and John Martin added the 4th style of parenting. 

The parenting styles mentioned below, involve the following wording:

Responsiveness refers to the degree to which parents are sensitive to their child's needs and emotions, while demandingness relates to the expectations parents have for their child's behaviour and the level of control they practice.

Parenting styles are essentially formed on two aspects; 1. how attentive and understanding parents are to their child’s needs (responsiveness), 2. the standards they set for their child’s behaviour and the level of supervision they maintain (demandingness). 

The following 4 parenting styles have been identified as possible primary styles:

1.  Authoritative Parenting:

Authoritative parents are often seen as the standard or the best parenting style. They combine nurturing with a sense of firmness by establishing behaviour expectations along with warmth, support and empathy. They promote independence and self reliance while sticking to boundaries. Authoritative parenting promote building a bond between parent and child which contributes to the health and self worth of the child.

2.  Authoritarian Parenting:

Authoritarian parents unlike the other styles, emphasize obedience and discipline over responsiveness whereas demandingness is an essential part of their parenting. They value obedience and control, often resorting to regulations and punishment to manage their child’s actions.

Although this parenting style may result in obediant children, initially it can eventually cause feelings of resentment, defiance and tension in the parent child relationship.

3.  Permissive Parenting: 

Parents who are permissive tend to be very responsive to their children’s needs but less strict in terms of setting boundaries.They show a lot of care and leniency preferring to avoid disagreements and giving their kids a large amount of freedom. 

Permissive parents might be reluctant to establish rules or boundaries as they worry it could prevent their child's ability to express themselves or make decisions. Although kids brought up in such environments may feel cherished and encouraged, they might find it challenging to develop self control and understanding limits.

4.  Neglectful or Uninvolved Parenting:

Parents who are uninvolved often show low levels of both demandingness and responsiveness.They appear to be distant, neglectful and disconnected from their child’s life. This type of parenting can negatively impact a child’s growth causing them to feel neglected, insecure and have low self esteem. Kid’s brought up in these settings may find it challenging to manage their emotions and establish relationships.

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