Magic Years Nursery

Posts Tagged ‘authoritarian’

Raising a child is a difficult tasks and every person has a different way of undertaking this task. Everyone will have different ideals and focuses while they are raising their child and it is highly unlikely that anyone’s methods will match another’s exactly. However, there does seem to be an idea that although everyone will raise their child differently there is an underlying style to their methods. There are four main types of parenting styles that are utilized throughout the world.

The first type is the uninvolved. They do not pay any significant attention to their child and neglect them. They do not require much from them except that they not be bothered. This leaves a child with no direction and no example of behavior to model themselves after.

The second type of parent is the over indulgent. These types of parents tend to be very lenient and have very little or no guidelines for behavior. The occurrence of situations cause them to act, although most of time in a fashion that leaves them with the least amount of conflict. The parent child relationship is one that is very well developed but as such the child will receive little if any discipline. This almost ultimately leaves the child with very little or no direction a skewed perception of expected behaviors.

The third type is the Authoritarian. These types demand a certain behavior and have strict rules and guidelines that the child must abide by. There is almost never any positive reinforcement or affection and leads the child to find love and affection in their successes. The line between punishment and discipline is often blurred if not erased completely. Most of the children who grow up with these kinds of parents lack self control and lack any sort of leadership skills.

The last type is the authoritative. This style is possibly one of the most balanced styles but is also the hardest to achieve. It maintains high expectations and results from the child but also provides with proper affection and positive reinforcement. There is a clear definition of the expected behavior from both the parent and the child. These relationships tend to be one of mutual respect, love, and understanding. The amount of conflicts will be low and the punishments will be logical. Often these types of parents will discuss the reasons for the conflict with their child and come to a mutual understanding. Children raised by these types of parents will be mature, outgoing, motivated, and responsible.

Each style is quite different and will not completely apply to any one family. Often parents utilize a mixture of two or three of these styles to make their own unique style. Every child and every parent is different, and as such a different combination of each of these styles is required. Which style will you try to utilize?