Parenting Styles and Their Effects on Children

The way you choose to discipline and respond to your child affects greatly on how they develop socially as well as cognitively. The development process of a child is influenced by a cumulative of all stimuli he/ she comes in contact with. Parents play a crucial role in a child’s life and have a significant impact on a child’s development, be it positive or negative. Your parenting style may affect how the child feels about himself/ herself to how much the child weighs. For healthy development and growth of a child, it is a must that you interact in the right way as it will leave a mark for the rest of life.

Researchers have identified four types of parenting styles that have a different approach to raising a child and has a number of distinct characteristics.

Authoritarian parenting- such parents believe that the child should not be heard or seen, believes in setting rules that must be followed without exception and does not consider the child’s feelings. An authoritarian parent is not interested in negotiating and enforces the consequences with little regard for the child’s opinion. Such parents solely focus on obedience and do not even allow the child to get involved in problem-solving obstacles or challenges. They also use punishments rather than teaching a child to make better choices.

Effects on children- such kids tend to follow rules most of the times and are at higher risk of developing self-esteem problems as their opinions are not valued. They may also become aggressive or hostile and focus on the anger they feel towards their parents. Children also grow up to become good liars so as to avoid punishment.

Authoritative parenting- such parents also has rules and use consequences, but they also consider children’s opinion. They do validate a child’s feelings but makes it clear that ultimately adults are in charge. Authoritative parents invest energy and time in preventing behavior problems even before they start and use positive discipline strategies like reward systems and praise to reinforce good behavior.

Effect on children- kids of such parents become responsible adults and feel comfortable in expressing themselves. They are evaluating safety risks and in making decisions on their own. Children of authoritative parents often lead a successful and happy life.

Permissive parenting- such parents are lenient and usually step in if there is a serious problem. They have an attitude that ‘kids will be kids’ and are quite forgiving. They do use consequences but may not see that kids adhere to it and might give back the privileges if the child promises to be good or begs. They are very friendly and encourage kids to discuss their problems, but hardly put an effort to discourage bad behavior or bad choices. 

Effect on children- children of such parents is more likely to struggle academically and might report sadness or low self-esteem. They may have behavioral problems as they do not believe in obeying rules and authorities. They might also develop health problems like obesity or dental cavities as parents do not enforce good habits.

Uninvolved parenting- such parents have little knowledge of their children are doing. They enforce few rules and may not receive nurturing, guidance and parental attention. Such parents expect children to grow themselves and are neglectful but this is not intentional. A parent with substance abuse problems or mental health issues may not be able to take care of a child’s emotional as well as physical needs consistently.

Effect on children- children of such parents usually struggle with self-esteem and exhibit frequent behavior problems. They tend to perform poorly in academics and might rank low in happiness.

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