One of the fascinating aspects of being a parent is the wide range of approaches we use to raise our children. At the same time, there are a lot of similarities between parents. Indeed, there is enough commonality among parents that academics have attempted to categorize them into four distinct parenting styles.

The mix of parenting methods you employ to raise your children is referred to as your parenting style. Diane Baumrind’s work in the 1960s established a widely accepted classification of parenting styles. There are four different Baumrind parenting styles, each with its own name and characteristics:

• Authoritarian or Disciplinarian
• Permissive or Indulgent
• Uninvolved
• Authoritative

Discipline, communication, nurturance, and expectations are all different aspects of each parenting style.

STYLES OF PARENTING: FOUR TYPES OF PARENTING

Parenting in an Authoritarian Mode

Discipline is typically associated with authoritarian parents.

• They have a rigorous disciplinary approach with limited room for discussion. Punishment is a regular occurrence.
• The majority of communication is one-way: from parent to child. The majority of the time, rules are not stated.
• This type of parent is usually less nurturing.
• Expectations are high, and there is little room for error.

Permissive Parenting

Permissive or indulgent parents let their children to do as they want with little or no guidance. They have more in common with friends than with parents.

• Their approach to discipline is the polar opposite of rigorous. They contain little or no restrictions, allowing youngsters to solve issues on their own.
• Although there is open communication, these parents prefer to let their children make their own decisions rather than giving them instructions.
• This type of parent is usually warm and nurturing.
• These parents’ expectations are usually low or non-existent.

Parenting Without Involvement

Parents who are uninvolved in their children’s lives offer them a lot of independence and typically keep out of their way. Some parents may choose to parent in this manner consciously, while others may be less engaged in parenting or unclear of what to do.

• There is no specific disciplinary style used. Because of a lack of information or concern, an uninvolved parent lets a child do much of what he wants.
• There is a lack of communication.
• This set of parents isn’t particularly nurturing.
• Children have little, if any, expectations.

Authoritative Parenting

Authoritative parents are fair and caring, and they have high, unambiguous expectations for their children. Children with this parenting style have a tendency to be self-disciplined and independent thinkers. Children are said to benefit the most from this technique.

• Disciplinary regulations are discussed and the reasons for them are made apparent.
• Communication is frequent and tailored to the child’s comprehension level.
• Parents who are authoritative are nurturing.
• Expectations and goals are lofty, but they are expressed plainly. Goals may include feedback from children.

WHAT IS MY TYPE OF PARENTING?

Few of us fit neatly into a single parenting style, preferring instead to raise our children in a mix of approaches. Instead of four different parenting styles, think of the four as a continuum. In an ideal world, we would think about our children and what they require from us at certain times. While a parent might not normally employ an authoritarian parenting style, there may be moments in a child’s life when it is necessary. Or, contrary to the previous definition, you may know an authoritarian parent who is nurturing.

THINGS THAT AFFECT HOW CHILDREN “TURN OUT”

While it is simpler for the family when both parents use the same parenting style, some studies indicates that having at least one authoritative parent is better for the kid than having two parents who use the same ineffective approach.

Of course, parenting style is only one factor that impacts who children become. These are only a few of the many additional factors that influence a child’s development:

• The temperament of the child and how it “fits” with the parents.
• The manner in which a teacher interacts with children, as well as the fit between teaching and parenting styles.
• A child’s peer group has an impact.

Parenting techniques are getting new labels these days. Helicopter parenting, for example, is similar to authoritative parenting, but with a bit more engagement, or some could argue over-involvement, in a child’s life. “Free range parenting” is similar to uninvolved parenting, but it includes a purposeful decision to enable greater autonomous thinking in the child’s best interests.

It might be beneficial to consider where you fall on the parenting spectrum. Taking it a step further, realize that anybody, at any moment, with any parenting style, might benefit from the self-reflection that comes with taking a parenting class. It might be beneficial to talk with other parents and a facilitator.

EXTRA INFO ON PARENTING STYLES

• We put a lot of pressure on ourselves as parents to do everything all of the time, every day. Exhausted? We’ve all been there.
• Men now have more alternatives for reacting to their responsibilities as dads, spouses, or partners thanks to changes in parenting practices from previous generations. In today’s society, here are some suggestions for being an active and caring parent.
• Slow parenting, or the deliberate effort to slow down and be present in each precious moment with your child, is becoming increasingly difficult in our increasingly hectic life.
• While we can only do our best every day for our children, it doesn’t mean we don’t have our fair share of parental guilt from time to time.