There have always been four well known parenting styles...
There have always been four well known parenting styles but as the years have flown by some more styles have become common place, making choosing a parenting style quite complicated, indeed. But the question remains; do we need to pay attention to them and do you?
Parenting styles have often been referred to as carrying different characteristics and personality, but does anyone enter parenthood having decided to be an authoritative parent? In most cases, “parents to be” don’t overly think about this subject and choose to worry more about the birth and the first few months. It is fair to suggest that the temperament of a parent will actively dictate how they raise their children. It is unwise to suggest that a parent can adopt a parenting style if it doesn’t suit them based on reading a parenting magazine or taking advice from others. The best to hope for is that you find the right balance and parent the best way you consider possible. If you are unsure about where you fit here is a little information about parenting styles, though you can mix and match or not at all!
- Authoritative parenting is observed as the most effective parenting style for children. Authoritative parents are well known, and they have high expectations their children but use these expectations with an understanding for their children’s needs.
- Neglectful parenting is one of the most harmful styles of parenting and it is unlike the other styles in that parents fall into neglectful parenting as a response to their child’s behaviour mostly.
- Permissive parenting is another potentially damaging style of parenting. These parents are responsive but not challenging. Parents tend to be lenient while trying to avoid conflict.
- Authoritarian parenting is characterized by parents who are demanding but not responsive. Authoritarian parents are strict and expect their children to follow rules.
Now, we have mindful parenting which is about living from moment to moment and letting life unfold as it is meant to. Helicopter style parenting is hovering over your children and not letting them make mistakes. Free range parenting is a concept built on encouragement, allowing your kids to grow without too much supervision.
It is important to keep in mind that every parent child relationship is different, so there is not one sure fire way to go about parenting. Children have different personalities and one style may work well for a child but for another child it could be difficult. Many parents fall into their own style without much regard for labels. Of course, we know that parenting styles influence your children, so it is important to find one that makes you and your child happy. The priority is on raising children who have their needs met and not putting yourself or them into a single box to parent in a certain fashion.
Parenting is hard at the best of times and your gut instinct remains the strongest indication of how you should parent your little one. Styles are somewhat important but don’t become overly reliant on certain ones either.
Written by Emma Hayes staff writer at Family Friendly HQ.
