Parenting styles and their effects

Many parents want to know how many types of parenting styles there are and what effect they have.

Which parenting style are they using and which parenting style should they use?

Here are some effects of different parenting styles.

Types of Parenting style:

Authoritarian 

The authoritarian parenting style is about being strict and stern. 

It insists on unquestioning obedience, and enforces good behavior through threats, shaming, and other punishments. 

As defined by psychologists, it's also a style associated with less parental warmth and responsiveness.

Effects of Authoritarian Style:

Children whose parents have an authoritarian parenting style tend to:

• Have an unhappy disposition.
• Be less independent.
• Appear insecure.
• Possess low self-esteem.
• Exhibit more behavioral problems​​.
• Perform worse academically.
• Have poorer social skills.
• Be more prone to mental issues​​.
• Be more likely to have drug use problems​.
• Have worse coping mechanism.

Indulgent 

Indulgent parenting, also called permissive parenting, is characterized as having few behavioral expectations for the child. 

Indulgent parenting is a style of parenting in which parents are overly responsive to their children’s every whim, wish and mood but place no demands or controls on them. This typically leads to what we call a “spoilt child”.

Effects of Indulgent Style:

Children of permissive parenting tend to have the worst outcomes:

• Cannot follow rules.
• Have worse self-control.
• Possess egocentric tendencies.
• Encounter more problems in relationships and social interactions.

Uninvolved 

Uninvolved parenting, also called neglectful parenting is a style of parenting where parents don't respond to their child's needs or desires beyond the basics of food, clothing, and shelter.

Effects of Uninvolved Style:

• Anxious or stressed due to the lack of family support.
• Are emotionally withdrawn.
• Fear becoming dependent on other people.
• Have an increased risk of substance abuse.
• Must learn to provide for themselves.
• Tend to exhibit more delinquency during adolescence.

Authoritative/Democratic 

The parent guides the child's development in an accepting but steady manner and fosters a climate in which cooperation, fairness, equality, and mutual respect between parent and child are assumed.

Effects of Authoritative/Democratic Style:

Children raised in this style:

• Appear happy and content.
• Are more independent
• Are more active​​.
• Achieve higher academic success​.
• Develop good self-esteem​.
• Interact with peers using competent social skills​.
• Have better mental health
• Exhibit less violent tendencies.
• Are securely attached.