Parenting is the method and technique used to rear a child, and its complexity
contains certain behaviors that work simultaneously to influence adolescent outcomes.
The different styles and treatment of infants are extremely important in child
development and has a huge impact on adolescent outcomes. All parents, and those who
come in contact with children often, need to understand these different parenting styles
and also need to know the outcomes; therefore, they are able to practice the correct
approach. I have no children, but it is still important to know these tactics since I am a
pre-major in elementary education. I also have a lot of experience from helping in
classrooms and working at day camps with younger infants, and anyone in my position
needs to know the correct child rearing techniques because an impact will still be made.
Authoritarian parents create a set of rules and expect them to be followed without
question. They fully control the child's behavior and give punishment as a form of
discipline. While placing these limits and directions the parent will give no or
very limited verbal exchange. These are the parents that will most likely spank
their children and are known as strict. When children question their parent's authority the
parents will most likely say things like "Because I said so." The adolescent outcomes are
very extreme. The children tend to be very unhappy, fearful, yet anxious. They may have
weak social skills and have trouble making friends. This form of parenting also decreases
intellectual growth and creativity, and many children exposed to this approach develop to
become rebels.
Another type of parenting is the neglectful approach. These kinds of parents are
uninvolved in their child's life, and they feel that happenings in their life are far more
important than their child. The outcome of this adolescent is very upsetting since the
child has poor self-control and dependency. Low self-esteem, immaturity, and alienation
are also present, and many of these neglected children have delinquency.
The opposite of authoritarian parenting is indulgent parenting, also known as permissive
parenting. These parents are very involved in their child's life that they are almost
smothered. They rarely limit or demand anything of the child which causes the parents to
lose control. Children do what they want and can usually get away with anything. Since
the parents are non-demanding and lenient, they allow self-regulation and avoid
confrontation. The child is usually craving attention of the parents and feeling unloved
and unimportant. Behavior is not regularly controlled and these children always want
their way. Since these children have a big ego, it is very difficult for them to respect
others.
Authoritative parenting, also known as Democratic parenting, contains a mixture of
demanding and lenient aspects. Parents allow the children to have independence but still
have control and follow a set of rules. Rational logic is always involved when
disciplining, and reasons for punishment are usually explained. The parents rear with
firm, clear yet flexible, nurturing actions toward child. This child has a great support
system from caregivers. The children will develop to have cheerful, self-controlled
personalities. They focus on achievement and reach high levels of school performance.
These children usually cooperate with adults, form friendly relations, and easily cope
with stress. This approach is described in three dimensions. One of the main dimensions
of authoritative parenting is warmth. Every child needs affection, love, and support
especially while seeking comfort. These parents also have structure or firm control.
Support and guidance are always present, but this dimension mainly focuses on assertive
control and demanding parenting. With the increase of structure, parents usually avoid
running into chaos. Autonomy support remains as the last dimension of authoritative
parenting. This refers to the power and independence of psychological control parents
give to children. Support for autonomy allows children freedom of choice and encourage
them to explore and create their own ideas and goals. Authoritative parenting develops
the child into a mature, independent adolescent. These children tend to be well-liked by
peers and can maintain relationships; they are respectful and cooperative.
It is very important to know all of these parenting styles, and it is never to early to start
practicing them. For example, while you are babysitting, playing with a younger brother
or sister, and spending time with your nieces or nephews.
This is a professional journal from the source Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early
Childhood Education. It deeply explains the definition of parenting, and than briefly goes
over each parenting style. What this journal overviews that others usually won't, is the
psychological control parents have over their child. Then to close it describes the
consequences from the different parenting styles and then explains certain things, such as
sex or family type, that may influence the parents approach.
Neal, J. (2001) The Effects of Parenting Styles and Childhood Attachment Patterns
The beginning of this journal briefly explains only three of the different parenting styles.
It includes more of the attachments between child and caregiver, and then the certain
effects it may have on the child.
Skinner, E., Johnson S., Snyder T. (2005, April-June) Six Dimensions of Parenting: A
Motivational Model. Parenting: Science and Practice, 184-188.
Authoritative parenting is the most effective approach in child rearing, and this journal
explains the different categories that make up this democratic approach. It describes the
three positive dimensions of parenting and then follows that with the three negative
dimensions.
