Saturday, July 5, 2014

Top Parenting Styles and Their Effects on Kids

Parenting styles are key in child development. Studies even show that relationships between parents and their children are also affected by parenting styles. Generally, parents discipline their children in four ways. These are known as authoritarian, authoritative, permissive and uninvolved parenting.

Authoritarian – In this parenting style, the parents set the rules and they simply expect their children to follow. The parents punish their children for dis obedience. In case of obstacles, the parents decide and plan the actions their children must take. This parenting style produce children who have no problems following rules set by the authorities – elders or people in the position. These children are less likely to grow up as law-breaking adults. On the negative side, these children are most likely to grow up as adults with very low self-esteem.

Authoritative – Rules also exist in this parenting style.  But exceptions to the rules are recognised here by both parents and children. Authoritative parents explain the logic behind each rule. They also consider the feelings of their children about each rule. They use consequences – positive ones – in disciplining their children. They also match obedience with praise and rewards. Children raised using this parenting style grow up into adults with good decision-making skills.

Permissive – As the term implies, this parenting style doesn’t involve rules. It lets children do whatever they want. Permissive parents tend to discipline their children only when the latter involve themselves in a serious problem. Permissive parents often want to act as their children’s best friends. Permissive parenting style produce children who have academic and behavioural problems. Consequently, these children grow into irresponsible adults.

Uninvolved – This parenting style simply promote neglect. Apart from not disciplining their children, uninvolved parents don't provide for their basic needs. These parents often leave their children in orphanages and entrust their upbringing to another person's care. Children of uninvolved parents lack happiness, discipline and self-esteem.