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Being a parent can be a little overwhelming. Determining the best kind of parenting style to adopt at home helps raise children that are emotionally and socially healthy. While children already have an innate personality as they are born into this world, the kind of parenting they are exposed to at home shapes them greatly and is something that has a potentially lifelong effect on them.

Parenting styles include basic ideas on parental expectations, establishing a relationship with the children, and disciplining. Whether parents are aware of it or not, most of the time their parenting styles are influenced by the styles of their own parents. It's not unusual for parents to employ the same disciplining methods that their parents used on them. Or if their childhood had been particularly unpleasant, they may consciously or subconsciously choose the direct opposite of the parenting style they grew up with.

There are four general types of parenting styles, although this doesn't mean that parents can be cleanly classified into these four styles. All parents have their different ways of parenting that is unique and defines their families. In fact, different individuals have their own parenting styles and combining them with their spouse's parenting style creates that distinctness in family dynamics. Some parents have no problem making their different styles as cohesive as possible, for others it's a point of contention in the marriage.

Here are the four general types of parenting styles and what they mean:

1. Authoritarian Parenting Style - When parents have an authoritarian style of parenting, you can expect the household to have clear-cut rules with clear-cut consequences that are almost always upheld. Authoritarian parents are big on rules, although they don't always tell their children why the rules are made and why it would benefit them to follow the rules. The rules exist because the parents want them to exist. Authoritarian parents have high expectations on their children and have a clear idea of what their idea of a home life is supposed to be. These kinds of parents put much store on their children's obedience and often demand for their rules to be obeyed under all circumstances.
2. Permissive Parenting Style - Permissive parents are very indulgent parents. Parents who use this parenting style feel quite averse towards the idea of disciplining children. They see the task of disciplining children as very unpleasant. These types of parents are non-confrontational and have very low expectations of their children. They are rarely disappointed of their kids, but they are generally nurturing and can communicate with their children well. For permissive parents, the role of "friend" is a lot more suited to their tastes than traditional parenting.
3. Authoritative Parenting Style - Authoritative parents are very similar to authoritarian parents with a few key differences. Like authoritarian parents, they consciously establish household rules that they expect their children to follow. However, unlike authoritarian parents, parents who prefer the authoritative parenting style are more democratic and are more willing to discuss the rules with their children. In fact, they prefer to explain the rules to their children so that they learn the reason and rationale behind the rules. When children fall short of their expectations, they are generally more forgiving than authoritarian parents. They employ disciplinary measures that are more supportive rather than punitive in nature. They aim to nurture their children and correct their bad behavior rather than just punish them for the sake of punishing.
4. Uninvolved Parenting Style - Uninvolved parents are emotionally disconnected from their children. They may be willing to provide for their children financially or see to it that they have their basic needs, but they prefer not to be involved in child-rearing. At times, uninvolved parents may even neglect the basic needs of their children. They prefer as little communication with their children as possible and make no demands on them as well.

According to researches, different types of parenting styles can produce different kinds of results. Children of authoritarian parents may grow up to be obedient and successful, but they are usually socially awkward and less happier than children raised by parents with other parenting styles.

Children of permissive parents rank low in happiness are generally less likely to be able to self-regulate. These children oftentimes grow up to be adults that have recurring problems with authority figures whether at home, in school, or at work.

Children of authoritative parents tend to be happier and more successful in life and in the relationships that they have as adults.

Children who are unfortunate enough to be raised by uninvolved parents are generally less successful, less happy, and less competent than their peers. They tend to struggle with low self-estee and often show poor self-regulation and a deep sense of insecurity.

Of course, even if parenting styles play a large part in the life of people, personal choice also plays a huge part. One can still decide to recognize the impact made by their childhood on them and decide that they will take steps to change the course of their lives.