"How Should We Parent Our Child?"

As couples embark on the journey of parenthood, a myriad of concerns and questions arise. One of the pivotal questions that often surfaces is, "How should we parent our child?" Surprisingly, many couples venture into parenthood without a solid understanding of parenting styles, laying the groundwork for potential challenges. In this exploration, we delve into the various parenting styles and their implications on child development.

Uninvolved Parenting

The uninvolved parent adopts a hands-off approach, providing minimal active support, setting few rules, and lacking proper monitoring. Operating under the belief that "kids will be kids" and "they will learn from their mistakes," parents of this style often grapple with mental health issues or substance abuse. Factors such as financial concerns, household management, or a lack of knowledge about child development contribute to this parenting style. Unfortunately, children raised in this environment often exhibit frequent behavioral problems and, as adults, may grapple with unhappiness.

Permissive Parenting

The permissive parent assumes more of a friend role than a traditional parent role, trusting their child to make the right decisions. This approach may stem from the parent's own childhood experiences. While encouraging open communication, permissive parents struggle with enforcing consequences for misbehavior. Children raised in this environment often display behavioral problems, heightened sadness, and low self-esteem.

Authoritarian Parenting

The authoritarian parent adheres to strict rules without exceptions, asserting, "It is my way or the highway" or "Because I said so." This parenting style is often inherited from the parent's own upbringing, prioritizing pure obedience over negotiation or concern for the child's feelings. Punishments are commonplace in this style, leading children to grapple with hostility, aggression, and the potential development of dishonest behavior to avoid punishment.

Authoritative Parenting

The authoritative parent strikes a balance by establishing clear rules with reasonable exceptions. Their motto is "I care, and I will give you the freedoms you have earned, but for safety-related issues, you will do as I say." These parents draw from their knowledge of child development, either through therapy or their own balanced upbringing. Logical consequences are employed to teach valuable life lessons. Children raised with this parenting style often evolve into responsible adults who confidently express their opinions.

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances of parenting styles and their impact on children is the initial stride toward fostering healthy parenting dynamics. While many parents aspire to provide a well-balanced approach, assessing and enhancing parenting styles is a crucial step. To gain deeper insights and facilitate healthier parenting, reach out to our clinicians for a comprehensive assessment. For further understanding, explore our article titled "Parenting Styles: Why is it important to assess parenting styles?" Taking these steps ensures a supportive and nurturing environment for both parents and children alike.

Blog By Dr. Yolanda Angelica, MA, LPC, MBA

Couple & Family Therapist, Art Therapist

If you’re interested in working on further exploring your parenting styles in therapy with Dr. Yolanda Angelica please Contact Us for her current availabilities.