Parenting Styles

Authoritarian parents are not interested in discussion or negotiation. To them, obedience is a quintessential tenant of parenting. They use punishment instead of discipline and make kids feel sorry for their mistakes rather than learn from them. Children with authoritarian parents tend to follow rules but are at higher risk for low self-esteem because their opinions are not valued. They might find it difficult to make decisions in the real world since they have not been taught how to problem solve challenges or obstacles.

The last category of parenting style, authoritative parenting, has been shown to be the most effective parenting approach. These parents expend effort into maintaining positive relationships with their children. They enforce rules and consequences while considering their children’s feelings and development. They develop foresight into preventing behavioral problems before they reach a crescendo and use positive rewards systems. Children of authoritative parents tend to be happier, more successful, and more adept at decision making.

Permissive parents are at the other end of the spectrum. They usually take more of a friend role and are quite forgiving. They use consequences inconsistently, and do not put much effort in discouraging bad choices. Unfortunately, kids that grow up with permissive parents tend to struggle academically, and often suffer from low self-esteem.

Uninvolved parents tend to have few, if any, rules. Children do not receive much guidance or nurturing. Uninvolved parents have little knowledge of what their children are doing and rarely know where their children are and whom they are with. These children are more likely to struggle academically and have behavioral problems.

Most of us do not fit neatly into any one of these categories. Do not be concerned if you have found yourself at times behaving consistently with any one or all of these groupings. Psychologist Dr. Susan Pazak works with parents to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Dr. Pazak can help to address parenting in a healthy and positive approach.