Parenting Styles and Their Effects on Kids
When it comes to parenting, there are a million different ways to do it. Some parents choose to be very strict; some choose to let their kids run wild, and some find a happy medium.
But what effect does each parenting style have on kids? Researchers have been asking this question for years, and they’ve come up with some interesting findings.
At High School of America, we want to make sure that you have all the information you need to make the best decisions for your family.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the four most common parenting styles – authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved – and discuss the pros and cons of each. We’ll also explore how these styles can affect kids in the long run.
So, whether you’re a new parent or just curious about parenting styles, read on!
The Four Main Parenting Styles
There are four main parenting styles that researchers have identified: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. Each one has its own unique set of characteristics.
1. Authoritarian Parenting
Authoritarian parenting is a style characterized by high expectations and little to no room for negotiation. Authoritarian parents are often very strict, and they expect their kids to obey rules without question. This parenting style is all about control – typically, authoritarian parents want their kids to do what they say and when they say it.
What are the Pros of Authoritarian Parenting?
There are many benefits to this parenting style, including:
- Authoritarian parenting often results in obedient and well-behaved children.
- This parenting style can instill a strong sense of discipline in kids.
- Authoritarian parents typically have high expectations for their children, which can lead to kids working hard and achieving great things.
- Authoritarian parenting style can help to prevent problem behavior in kids by nipping it in the bud early on.
- Authoritarian parenting usually leads to a close relationship between parent and child, as kids learn to respect and obey their parents.
What are the Cons of Authoritarian Parenting?
Authoritarian parenting also has some drawbacks, which include:
- Authoritarian parenting can often lead to rebelliousness in kids, as they may feel stifled by the lack of freedom and autonomy.
- This parenting style can make kids feel anxious or insecure, as they may always be worried about making a mistake or not meeting their parents’ expectations.
- Authoritarian parenting can lead to kids feeling resentful towards their parents, especially if they’re constantly being criticized or controlled.
- This parenting style often results in kids who are less independent and more reliant on their parents, which can be a problem when they reach adulthood.
- Authoritarian parenting can limit the development of a child’s creativity and individuality, as the focus is on conformity rather than self-expression.
2. Authoritative Parenting
Authoritative parenting is characterized by high expectations and clear rules but also by warmth and responsiveness. Authoritative parents are firm, but they’re also open to negotiation, and they allow their kids some freedom and autonomy.
This parenting style strikes a balance between the authoritarian and permissive styles.
What are the Pros of Authoritative Parenting?
There are many benefits to this parenting style, which include:
- Authoritative parenting often leads to well-behaved and successful children.
- This parenting style can instill a sense of discipline in kids without making them feel anxious or insecure.
- Authoritative parents typically have high expectations for their children, leading to kids working hard and achieving great things.
- This parenting style allows for some creativity and individuality, as kids are given some freedom to express themselves.
- Authoritative parenting usually leads to a close relationship between parent and child, as kids learn to respect and obey their parents.
What Are the Cons of Authoritative Parenting?
There are also some drawbacks to this parenting style, which include:
- Authoritative parenting can sometimes be too permissive, leading to children who are not well-behaved or successful.
- This parenting style can be difficult to maintain, as it requires a lot of patience and understanding.
- Authoritative parents may have difficulty setting clear boundaries for their children, leading to kids who feel like they can get away with anything.
- This parenting style can make kids feel entitled and spoiled, as they may not have to work hard for what they want.
- Authoritative parenting can be stressful for parents, as they may feel like they’re constantly walking on eggshells.
3. Permissive Parenting
Permissive parenting is characterized by low expectations and few rules. Permissive parents are very warm and responsive to their children, but they allow them to do whatever they want. This parenting style is sometimes also called “indulgent” parenting.
What Are the Pros of Permissive Parenting?
There are some benefits to this parenting style, which include:
- Permissive parenting often leads to happy and well-adjusted children.
- This parenting style can foster a close relationship between parent and child, as kids feel like they can talk to their parents about anything.
- Permissive parents typically have high expectations for their children, leading to kids working hard and achieving great things.
- This parenting style allows for some creativity and individuality, as kids are given some freedom to express themselves.
- Permissive parenting usually leads to a close relationship between parent and child, as kids learn to respect and obey their parents.
What Are the Cons of Permissive Parenting?
There are also some drawbacks to this parenting style, which include:
- Permissive parenting often leads to children who are not well-behaved or successful.
- This parenting style can be difficult to maintain, as it requires a lot of patience and understanding.
- Permissive parents may have difficulty setting clear boundaries for their children, leading to kids who feel like they can get away with anything.
- This parenting style can make kids feel entitled and spoiled, as they may not have to work hard for what they want.
- Permissive parenting can be stressful for parents, as they may feel like they’re constantly walking on eggshells.
4. Uninvolved Parenting
Uninvolved parenting is characterized by low expectations and few rules. Uninvolved parents are very warm and responsive to their children, but they allow them to do whatever they want. This parenting style is sometimes also called “neglectful” parenting.
What Are the Pros of Uninvolved Parenting?
There are some benefits to this parenting style, which include:
- Uninvolved parenting often leads to happy and well-adjusted children.
- This parenting style can foster a close relationship between parent and child, as kids feel like they can talk to their parents about anything.
- Uninvolved parents typically have high expectations for their children, which can lead to kids working hard and achieving great things.
- This parenting style allows for some creativity and individuality, as kids are given some freedom to express themselves.
- Uninvolved parenting usually leads to a close relationship between parent and child, as kids learn to respect and obey their parents.
- This parenting style can be less stressful for parents, as they don’t have to worry about constantly monitoring their children.
What Are the Cons of Uninvolved Parenting?
There are also some drawbacks to this parenting style, which include:
- Uninvolved parenting often leads to children who are not well-behaved or successful.
- This parenting style can be difficult to maintain, as it requires a lot of patience and understanding.
- Uninvolved parents may have difficulty setting clear boundaries for their children, leading to kids who feel like they can get away with anything.
- This parenting style can make kids feel entitled and spoiled, as they may not have to work hard for what they want.
- Uninvolved parents may have difficulty setting clear boundaries for their children, leading to kids who feel like they can get away with anything.
What are the long-term effects of these Parenting Styles on Kids?
The four common parenting styles have different long-term effects on kids.
Authoritarian parenting
The long-term effects of authoritarian parenting are:
- Kids often have trouble making friends, as they may be seen as bossy or controlling.
- This parenting style can lead to kids being afraid to express their own opinions or take risks.
- Authoritarian parenting usually leads to a close relationship between parent and child, as kids learn to respect and obey their parents.
- However, this parenting style can also lead to a strained relationship between parent and child, as kids may feel like they’re constantly being controlled.
- Authoritarian parenting can also lead to children who are not well-behaved or successful.
Authoritative parenting
The long-term effects of authoritative parenting are:
- Kids often have high self-esteem and are confident in themselves.
- This parenting style usually leads to a close relationship between parent and child, as kids feel like they can talk to their parents about anything.
- Authoritative parenting often leads to kids who are well-behaved and successful.
- However, this parenting style can also lead to a strained relationship between parent and child, as kids may feel like their parents are always trying to control them.
Permissive parenting
The long-term effects of permissive parenting are:
- Children often have trouble making friends, as they may be seen as spoiled or entitled.
- This parenting style can lead to kids who are afraid to take risks or express their own opinions.
- Permissive parenting usually leads to a close relationship between parent and child, as kids feel like they can talk to their parents about anything.
- Permissive parenting can also lead to children who are not well-behaved or successful.
Uninvolved parenting
The long-term effects of uninvolved parenting are:
- Kids often have trouble making friends, as they may be seen as neglected or unimportant.
- Uninvolved parenting often leads to children who are not well-behaved or successful.
- Additionally, this parenting style can also lead to a close relationship between parent and child, as kids learn to respect and obey their parents.
- Uninvolved parenting can also lead to a strained relationship between parent and child, as kids may feel like their parents don’t care about them.
Final Thoughts!
In conclusion, all four parenting styles have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. It is important for parents to be mindful of the different effects their parenting style can have on their children.
If you are interested in learning more about which parenting style may be best suited for your family, or if you would like help implementing a specific parenting style, don’t hesitate to get in touch with High School of America today.
We offer a variety of programs that will suit your needs as a parent and help you raise successful children.