4 Types of Parenting Styles
Authoritarian
Parents of this style tend to have a one-way mode of communication where the parent establishes strict rules that the child obeys.
There is little to no room for negotiations from the child, and the rules are not usually explained.
They expect their children to uphold these standards while making no errors.
Mistakes usually lead to punishment. Authoritarian parents are normally less nurturing and have high expectations with limited flexibility.
Authoritative
This type of parent normally develops a close, nurturing relationship with their children.
They have clear guidelines for their expectations and explain their reasons associated with disciplinary actions. Disciplinary methods are used as a way of support instead of punishment.
Not only can children have input into goals and expectations, but there are also frequent and appropriate levels of communication between the parent and their child. In general, this parenting style leads to the healthiest outcomes for children but requires a lot of patience and effort on both parties.
Permissive
Permissive parents tend to be warm, nurturing and usually have minimal or no expectations.
They impose limited rules on their children.
Communication remains open, but parents allow their children to figure things out for themselves. These low levels of expectation usually result in rare uses of discipline.
They act more like friends than parents.
Uninvolved
Children are given a lot of freedom as this type of parent normally stays out of the way.
They fulfill the child’s basic needs while generally remaining detached from their child’s life.
An uninvolved parent does not utilize a particular disciplining style and has a limited amount of communication with their child.
They tend to offer a low amount of nurturing while having either few or no expectations of their children.
Why Does Parenting Style Matter?
Shapes a child’s behaviors, personality, and development into adulthood
Teaches a child what is acceptable and unacceptable
Teaches a child their relationship to love
Is love earned through achievements, being worthy, production of something, etc.?
Is love unconditional just based on being you and being born?
Is love painful and hurtful?
Is love patient and kind?
And more
Influences their own parenting style to some degree when they have their own child(ren)