Parenting Styles Effects On Children

During the early 1960s, psychologist Diana Baumrind did a study on more than 100 preschool-age children (Baumrind, 1967) and discovered convincing association between parenting styles and the effects these styles have on children. She has termed four types of parenting styles: Authoritarian Parenting, Authoritative Parenting, Permissive Parenting & Uninvolved Parenting.

In Authoritarian Parenting style of parenting, children are required to follow the strict rules set by the parents. Failure to do so usually results in punishment. Authoritarian parents fail to make clear the reasoning behind these rules.

Like authoritarian parents, those with an authoritative parenting style establish rules that their children are expected to ahere. However,

The most important role of parents is to love and really care for their children. This not only gives a sense of security, belonging and support, but also smooths out the rough edges of childhood. Parental love should be special in two respects. First, it should be constant and unconditional – which means it is always present, even when the child is acting in an unlovable manner. Second, parents should be open in expressing their love so that children are never uncertain about its presence. Moreover, love and faithfulness between spouses promote security for the family. A household in which love is openly expressed is a household in which children flourish. Parents should make every effort to let their youngsters see warmth and tenderness in their marital relationship. This will provide an atmosphere which encourages the same kind of affection in the hearts and minds of the

Discipline gives children clear direction by setting and adhering to standards of behaviour. In fact, it is an essential preparation for adjusting to the outside world – it makes a child better behaved and happier. Research shows the two most important aspects of discipline are firmness and immediacy. You should thus be certain that you punish when you say you will. And punish as soon after the misdeed as possible; don’t put an extra burden on Dad by saying, “Just wait till your father comes home”. Apart from firmness and immediacy, the following qualities of constructive discipline should be applied: Be consistent. Don’t undermine the rules set by your spouse. Disagreements regarding childrearing must be resolved in privacy – never in front of the children. Be clear. Establish a few simple rules and spell them out clearly in advance. This way, your children will never be confused about what rules they are expected to follow. Administer in private. If possible, never punish a child in front of anyone. This tends to antagonize the child and he or she may continue to misbehave to ‘save face’. Be reasonable and understanding. Explain the reason why a child is being given direction. In addition, try to understand a child’s point of view and meet him or her halfway. This will give you a closer relationship. Be flexible. With adolescents, bargaining is an effective tool. On occasion, it is good for both parents and children to be able to bend the rules a