Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging journeys we embark upon in life. As we navigate the ups and downs of raising our children, we often find ourselves drawn to certain approaches or philosophies that shape the way we interact with our little ones. Most often or not we bring with us the style of parenting our parents used with us, either as a positive or negative influence
Whatever way you have chosen to parent your child, it will be right for you, with certain exceptions, and it will change and adapt to certain situations and time frames. Regardless of this parenting styles, play a significant role in shaping our children's behaviour, beliefs, and overall development.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most common parenting styles and how they influence family dynamics.
So, what are the types of Parenting and there characteristics?
Authoritative Parenting:
This parenting style is characterized by a balance of warmth and discipline. Authoritative parents set clear expectations and boundaries for their children while also providing love, support, and understanding.
They encourage independence, critical thinking, and open communication within the family.
Children raised by authoritative parents tend to be self-disciplined, confident, and socially competent.
Authoritarian Parenting:
In contrast to authoritative parenting, authoritarian parenting is more rigid and controlling. These parents prioritize obedience and adherence to rules above all else.
They often use punishment as a means of discipline and may have high expectations without offering much flexibility or explanation.
While authoritarian parenting can result in obedient children, it may also lead to resentment, rebellion, or low self-esteem in the long run.
Permissive Parenting:
Permissive parents are known for their lenient and indulgent approach to parenting. They are often nurturing and affectionate but may struggle with setting and enforcing boundaries.
These parents are more likely to be responsive to their children's wants and desires, sometimes at the expense of instilling discipline or teaching responsibility.
While permissive parenting can foster a close bond between parent and child, it may also lead to challenges with self-control, entitlement, and decision-making skills.
Uninvolved Parenting:
Uninvolved parenting, also known as neglectful parenting, is characterized by a lack of emotional involvement and responsiveness from parents.
These parents may be physically present but emotionally distant, failing to provide the support, guidance, or attention that children need to thrive.
Children raised in uninvolved households may struggle with feelings of abandonment, low self-worth, and difficulties forming healthy relationships.
It's important to note that most parents don't fit neatly into one category but rather exhibit a combination of different parenting styles depending on various factors such as cultural influences, personal beliefs, and the needs of their children.
So, what type of parent am I?
I think looking at the characteristics of parenting styles I fit between two, Authoritative and permissive.
Authoritative - we have clear boundaries and Mason knows exactly what behaviour is expected but he is free to choose his own path and make his own decisions about things in his life. We encourage openness and let him experiment (with some guidance) whilst providing a safety net for him to fall back on.
Permissive – We spoil him rotten when he has earnt it and sometimes when he hasn’t.
Here’s some examples.
He is always allowed to buy any book he wants; this is to encourage a love of reading to develop language and English skills, and to be able to dive into a world of imagination. When it something to do as a family. Lego is our big vice, so when we see a set, we’d like to build as a family we get it, if it’s part of a larger set and it’s on sale we tend to cave and get them all! Board games, gosh I hate to think how many board games we have!
I would like to think that I'm never the "uninvolved" style however I know myself that sometimes when my batteries have drained and I'm surviving on fumes I can momentarily dip into this category, but that is generally when my partner will take over giving me room to recharge.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the goal of parenting is to create a nurturing and supportive environment where children can grow, learn, and flourish. While each parenting style has its strengths and weaknesses, what matters most is finding a balance that works for your family and promotes the well-being of your children. If you are fortunate to have a partner or family group use them to be your support, remembering that you can't be your best 100% of the time is key. Parent with Love, compassion, empathy and don't forget the humour!
