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Parenting is a highly personalized and individualized decision. What works with some children doesn't necessarily work for all children. Some parents will swear by their parenting style, and it's going to be the same with other parents.
There are many different types of parenting styles, but in broad terms, you can subdivide them into four different types:
- Authoritarian - This kind of parenting style is where parents set household rules and expect their children to follow these rules, no questions asked. Parents expect themselves to have the last say in everything. Authoritarian parents don't usually explain the reasons behind why they set the rules that they set. A simple "because I said so" is often the standard answer. These kinds of parents are focused on obedience and expect their rules to be obeyed at all times. The usual consequence of breaking the rules is outright punishment. Children who grew up with authoritarian parents are usually obedient and successful but are less happy, socially inept, and are usually struggling with low self-esteem.
- Permissive - Permissive parenting styles involve parents who are overly indulgent of their children. They rarely discipline their children and also rarely engage them in arguments and confrontations. They are very tolerant of their children and have set low expectations on their children's maturity, self-control and self-regulation. Permissive parents are nurturing, laid back, and often project themselves as friends of their children instead of fulfill the traditionally accepted role of parents. Children who are raised by permissive parents are more likely to encounter issues with authority figures especially in school. They also often rank low in happiness and can hardly regulate themselves.
- Uninvolved - This kind of parenting style involves parents who have few to little demands, are not responsive or communicative of their children and are generally detached from their children's lives. When put to the extreme, uninvolved parents can be seen as negligent parents. Children raised by uninvolved parents are often very unhappy, has trouble relating to people all their lives, and are least likely to find success in their endeavors.
- Authoritative - A much more democratic form of the authoritarian parenting style. Authoritative parents set ground rules and expect these rules to be followed. The main difference is that authoritative parents are more communicative to their children and are willing to listen to suggestions and answer questions. Unlike authoritarian parents, authoritative parents are more forgiving and nurturing when children break the rules that they set. When they do enforce punishments, these punishments are often enforced to help the children do better rather than just for punitive purposes. Authoritative parents want their children to learn how to self-regulate but at the same time, become assertive and responsible of their own decisions. Children raised by authoritative parents are often well-adjusted, happy children. They usually grow up with a healthy self-esteem, an active social conscience, and a positive outlook in life.
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