Parenting styles have always been around, but in the modern world there are many more types than in previous times. When people think about parenting styles, they usually think about what kind of parent their parents were and how that has influenced their own parenting style. However, there are a lot of different types of parenting styles out there, and each can be successful in different ways.
Different Types of Parenting
Different parenting styles can be effective for different types of children. The six most common parenting styles are authoritarian parenting, authoritative parenting, permissive parenting, uninvolved parenting, attachment parenting and helicopter parenting. Each style has its own benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to choose the style that works best for your child and family.
Authoritarian Parenting
Authoritarian parenting is a parenting style in which the parents are excessively directive and demanding. They often make all the decisions for the child and micromanage every aspect of their lives. This often results in a child who feels controlled and helpless.
Authoritarian parenting is often seen as a prosocial behavior, as it can lead to increased obedience and confidence in children. Additionally, authoritarian parents often have high expectations for their children and are more likely to be involved in their children’s lives. These parents also tend to be more controlling, which can lead to better communication and discipline skills in their children.
Many people believe that authoritarian parenting is harmful to children. Authoritarian parenting is characterized by a high level of control and discipline over the child’s behavior. This type of parenting often results in a child who is afraid to question authority figures and who has little self-confidence. In fact, research has shown that children who are raised in authoritarian households are less successful in their later career. Furthermore, a good mother does not behave in an authoritarian way towards her children.
Authoritative Parenting
Authoritative parenting is the belief that children need authoritative adults in their lives in order to thrive. This type of parenting is characterized by providing guidance and control while setting boundaries. The goal is for the child to feel secure and respected, knowing that they are being taken care of while also developing independence.
Authoritative parenting is associated with being able to regulate children’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It has been shown to be associated with lower levels of aggression, delinquency, and substance abuse. It has also been found to be correlated with increased academic achievement. In addition, authoritative parenting has been shown to be protective against physical and psychological health problems in children.
Authoritative parenting has a number of cons associated with it, including the fact that it can be emotionally damaging to children, and can lead to them exhibiting lower levels of self-esteem. Additionally, authoritative parenting often leads to children doing what they are told rather than making their own decisions, which can have negative consequences down the road. Lastly, authoritative parenting is also associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders in children.
Permissive Parenting
Parenting styles that allow children greater latitude and freedom to make choices can be considered permissive parenting. This type of parenting allows children a great deal of independence, which may include making choices that are not in their best interest. This style of parenting is often viewed as being more lenient than strict parenting. Permissive parents may provide guidance and feedback, but they generally allow their children to make decisions on their own.
Permissive parenting can be beneficial to a child because it allows them to develop their own sense of responsibility and self-discipline. It also teaches them how to communicate effectively with others.
One of the disadvantages of permissive parenting is that it can lead to a child who is not disciplined or has poor self-control. This can lead to problems in later life, such as alcohol and drug abuse, criminal activity, and mental health issues. Permissive parenting also leads to a child who does not feel confident in asserting their own needs or who feels they cannot express themselves effectively.
Uninvolved Parenting
There is a growing trend in our society towards uninvolved parenting. This type of parenting refers to parents who do not spend time with their children, either because they are step-parent or due to parents are separated. There are a number of reasons why people choose to be uninvolved with their children, but the most common one is that they feel that their children are a burden and not worth the effort.
Uninvolved parenting has pros and cons. The pro of uninvolved parenting is that it can be more spontaneous and less planned than traditional parenting styles. This can lead to more freedom and creativity for the child, as well as a lack of structure which may lead to increased independence.
Parenting is difficult, but it can be made even more challenging when one or both parents are uninvolved in their children’s lives. This is often referred to as bad parenting and can have a negative impact on the development of the child. For example, uninvolved children may not develop strong relationships with their parents or siblings, which can limit their social skills and future opportunities.
Research has shown that children who are raised in an uninvolved parental style are more likely to become obese as adults. This is because they are less likely to have strong role models or learn how to value healthy foods and physical activity. They also have a harder time disciplining themselves, which can lead to overeating and excessive weight gain.
Attachment Parenting
Attachment parenting is a parenting style that emphasizes close emotional and physical bonding between a parent and child. This type of parenting is thought to promote secure attachment relationships, which are beneficial for children in terms of development. The goals of attachment parenting are to provide a secure base for the child from which they can explore their world and develop expansive self-esteem.
Attachment parenting is often associated with single mothers because it is a predominantly female-led parenting style. Single mothers often have greater expectations and wanting the best for her children due to the unique life circumstances such as poverty or unemployment.
Attachment parenting has been shown to have many benefits for both the child and the parent. These benefits include increased trust, communication, and relationship satisfaction. Children who are raised in a environment where they are attached to their parents are more likely to develop healthy relationships themselves, as well as be more successful in school and in their careers.
There are several cons to attachment parenting. First, it can be difficult to establish clear boundaries with children when they are constantly attached to their parents. This can lead to children feeling too dependent on their parents and not able to develop appropriate independent relationships.
Helicopter Parenting
Parenting practices characterized as helicopter parenting are those in which parents hover excessively over their children, providing constant supervision and demanding high levels of performance from them. This type of parenting known as neurotic parenting or over-parenting, can have negative consequences for the child, such as making them feel overwhelmed and stressed, and reducing their ability to develop independent personalities.
Helicopter parenting can create a sense of security for children. By constantly being available to them, parents can help ensure that their children never feel alone or unsupported.
However, this type of parenting can lead to over-involvement and over-protection of children, which can diminish their independence and sense of self-reliance. Additionally, helicopter parenting may cause parent to feel excessively responsible for everything going on in their children’s lives, which can lead to burnout and detachment from pursuits that may be enjoyable or fulfilling outside of the family context.
How to Stay Motivated when Parenting Can Be Difficult
Parenting can be one of the most difficult tasks a person can undertake. When parenting is difficult, there is a tendency for motivation to wane. The following are some tips on how to stay motivated when parenting.
Find a Support System
Finding a support system can be extremely beneficial when parenting is difficult. Having someone to talk to about your experiences, as well as provide moral support, can be incredibly helpful in staying motivated.
Establish a Routine
Establishing a routine can be extremely beneficial when parenting is difficult. Having a schedule for everything from activities to meal times can help parents stay motivated by establishing regularity in their lives.
Find Time for Yourself
Finding time for yourself can be extremely helpful when parenting is difficult. Taking a break once in a while to do something you enjoy can help parents stay motivated by giving them time away from the children.
Create a Positive Atmosphere
Creating a positive atmosphere can be extremely beneficial when parenting is difficult. A positive atmosphere can encourage parents to parent more effectively. Positive parenting can help parents be more motivated by encouragement and praise.
Be Honest with Yourself
Being honest with yourself can be extremely beneficial when parenting is difficult. Parents who are aware of their personal feelings and thoughts are more likely to do what is in the child’s best interest.
Don’t Be Too Strict
Too much strictness can lead to problems such as a child feeling overwhelmed and rebellion, or the parent becoming frustrated and overbearing. It is important to strike a balance that provides support but also allows the child some freedom and autonomy.
Nobody Is Perfect
There is no such thing as a perfect parent. Every parent has strengths and weaknesses, and every child is different. What works well for one child may not work as well for another.
When making mistakes, it is important to learn from them in order to better care for your children. To do this, it is important to have a system in place for identifying and correcting mistakes. This can be done through various means such as verbal communication, written notes, or even live monitoring.
Conclusion
In conclusion, parenting can be challenging but with the right tools and advice, it can be easier than you think. Remember to stay positive, supportive, and understanding; these are key ingredients to a successful parenting journey. Lastly, remember that parenting is a journey, not a destination. Every parent has different strengths and weaknesses, so don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
