Introduction
Parenting is a complex and rewarding journey, and understanding your primary parenting style can provide valuable insights into your interactions with your children.
If you haven’t done so yet, I’d encourage you to complete the free parenting style quiz to first know what your primary parenting style is, and to then learn more about it below.
Parenting Style Categories
1. Authoritarian Parenting: Strict and Demanding
Authoritarian parents believe in strict rules and obedience. They often use punishment to enforce rules and may not be receptive to their children’s feelings or opinions. Some refer to this as the “old school” way of parenting. For example, an authoritarian parent might insist that their child always finishes their dinner plate or eats broccoli every day, they may even punish the child for not doing as they’re told, regardless of what the reason the child gives.
2. Permissive Parenting: Lenient and Indulgent
Permissive parents are lenient and avoid confrontation. They may prioritize their child’s happiness over discipline and may not set clear boundaries or expectations. It’s important to note that this is not the same as the current trend of “gentle parenting”, gentle parenting views discipline as a teaching tool and not a punishment, it’s focused on positive reinforcement. Whereas with permissive parenting, discipline is avoided. For example, a permissive parent might allow their child to stay up late, eat junk food, and watch TV for hours, without any consequences.
3. Authoritative Parenting: Balanced and Supportive
Authoritative parents balance discipline with warmth and understanding. They set clear expectations and enforce rules consistently, but they also listen to their children’s feelings and provide support – now this is what could be referred to as “gentle parenting”. For example, an authoritative parent might set a bedtime for their child and enforce it, but they may also make room for extending the bedtime on special occasions.
4. Uninvolved/Neglectful Parenting: Disengaged and Unresponsive
Uninvolved or neglectful parents are emotionally distant and uninvolved in their child’s life. They may not provide adequate supervision or support, and may be more focused on their own needs than their child’s. This could be the case when the parent is too involved with work for example, and finds little time or energy to focus on their child.
The impact of different parenting styles on children can be significant, and directly influences the way they develop certain behaviours or personality traits. Whether the child starts becoming too self-centred, or insecure, or irresponsible – endless studies showed how the parents’ parenting style affects that.
Family life coaching provides you with practical tips and tools to understand and navigate your parenting style, and to improve your parenting skills in order to communicate more effectively with your children and develop a healthier familial environment.
Remember that, just as every child is unique, every parent is also unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting.
