What are the 4 Types of Parenting Styles?
"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them."
—James Baldwin
If you have a kid, you have a parenting style that fits into one of four boxes: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, or uninvolved.
These styles date back to the 1960’s when the psychologist Diana Baumrind first identified three of them (authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive), and then the psychologists Maccoby and Martin added a fourth style, neglectful or uninvolved parenting, in the 1980s.
Baumrind’s theory has been heavily researched and widely accepted and has helped to shape our understanding of the different ways in which parents can influence the development and well-being of our children.
Through this research, there is one style that stands above the rest: the authoritative parenting style. Time and time again, this style is linked to great parents based on the strong outcomes of their kids. The good news is that your parenting style isn’t fixed. While it will take effort to modify behaviors and maybe even your relationship with your kids, you have the opportunity to change.
Read the breakdown, identify your style, and strive to raise better kids.
1. Authoritative Parenting Style
Authoritative parenting is the gold standard of parenting. It includes a combination of being demanding and sensitive based on the child and the context.
Research has shown that adolescents raised with an authoritative parenting style had higher grades, higher self-esteem, and were more socially competent compared to adolescents raised with other parenting styles. They also had lower levels of depression and anxiety and were less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse.
Characteristics:
High expectations for children
Autonomy for children to make their own decisions
Nurturing and responsive to children's needs
Encourages open communication and mutual respect
Benefits:
Fosters independence in children
Helps children feel valued and respected
Can prevent behavior problems
Best for: Children who are capable of making good decisions and responding to boundaries
2. Authoritarian Parenting Style
Authoritarian parents rely on strict rules and expect the orders to be obeyed. The parenting style is often compared to correction officers in a prison.
The same study mentioned above also found that children raised with an authoritarian style had lower grades and were less likely to complete their homework compared to children raised with an authoritative parenting style. Another study found that children raised with an authoritarian style had lower self-esteem and were less socially competent compared to children raised with an authoritative style.
Characteristics:
Very strict rules
Limited autonomy for children
Less nurturing and responsive to children's needs
Uses punishment to enforce rules
Potential drawbacks:
Can lead to feelings of resentment or rebellion in children
Can cause conflicts and strained relationships within the family
Best for: Children who are struggling with behavior problems or going through a challenging phase
3. Permissive Parenting Style
These are the parents who allow their kids to choose their bedtime, what and when to eat, and if they want to do their homework or not.
One study found that adolescents raised with a permissive parenting style had lower grades and were more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse compared to adolescents raised with an authoritative parenting style.
Researchers also found that “Overall, children of permissive parents usually have some self-esteem and decent social skills. However, they can be impulsive, demanding, selfish, and lack self-regulation”
Characteristics:
Few rules and expectations for children
More nurturing and responsive to children's needs
Less consistent with setting boundaries and enforcing rules
Potential drawbacks:
Can lead to confusion for children
Can result in a lack of discipline and structure in the home
Best for: Children who are going through a difficult time or struggling with emotional issues
4. Uninvolved Parenting Style
Uninvolved bears no explanation, however, the impact on the children does. While it may be no surprise that these kids have difficulty communicating, managing emotions and behaviors, and succeeding academically, they do prove to be tough. Researchers find that “The children of uninvolved parents usually are resilient and may even be more self-sufficient than children with other types of upbringing. However, these skills are developed out of necessity.”
Characteristics:
Lack of involvement in children's lives
No rules or expectations for children's behavior
Not responsive to children's needs
Not involved in children's upbringing
Negative consequences:
Can lead to feelings of abandonment or neglect in children
Can affect children's self-esteem and behavior
Can impact children's social and emotional development
What’s The Best Kind Of Parenting Style?
Authoritative parenting stands out as the most effective and beneficial parenting style for child development. Rooted in extensive research, authoritative parenting combines high expectations for children with nurturance, open communication, and mutual respect. Adolescents raised in authoritative households tend to achieve higher grades, exhibit greater self-esteem, and display enhanced social competence. This parenting approach fosters independence in children, helps them feel valued and respected, and often prevents behavior problems.
It's important to note that the best parenting style may vary depending on the child's individual needs and the specific context. While authoritative parenting is generally regarded as highly effective, there may be situations where other styles, such as authoritarian parenting, are more suitable, particularly when children are struggling with behavior problems or facing challenging phases. Ultimately, the choice of parenting style should be based on a careful assessment of the child's temperament, developmental stage, and unique circumstances, with the overarching goal of nurturing their growth, independence, and overall well-being.
Takeaway
In the realm of parenting styles—such as authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved parenting—we're reminded of James Baldwin's wisdom: "Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." These styles have been extensively researched, revealing their profound impact on child development and discipline.
Among them, authoritative parenting emerges as an effective approach consistently linked to positive child development outcomes, supported by parenting research. Adolescents raised in authoritative households often exhibit higher grades, self-esteem, and social competence. Yet, the journey of parenting is not fixed; it allows for the evolution of parenting strategies and techniques.
Each parenting method, from the nurturing nature of authoritative parenting to the strict order of authoritarian parenting, comes with its own characteristics and consequences. To be effective parents, it's crucial to identify our parenting style, seek parenting tips and techniques, and embark on a journey of positive change. By fostering open communication, setting appropriate boundaries, and understanding the nuances of parenting styles, we can create an environment that nurtures our child's growth and shapes their future. Our choices in parenting styles leave an indelible mark on their development, emphasizing the importance of choosing a path aligned with our values and aspirations for our children.
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