A common parenting style is a particular psychological structure representing typical patterns of behavior exhibited by most parents in their child rearing. This style is important for long term growth and adjustment, and may even be a basic requirement for healthy child development. Parenting styles may differ according to the culture of the parent, the child’s age, gender, and family history. Thus, the quality of parenting may be more important than the amount of time spent with your child.
The authoritarian parenting styles are very rigid, controlling, and demanding. They discourage independence and give high demands on parents. Authoritarian parents demand compliance at all costs. With authoritarian parenting styles, children experience insecurity and fear and thus they are unable to make decisions for themselves or learn necessary life skills. Authoritarian parenting styles are not compatible with family values and can result in unruly, rebellious, and defiant children. Children of authoritarian parents are also likely to become unemployed and/or drop out of school.
The nurtured parenting styles, meanwhile, involves giving support, encouragement, and understanding to the needs and desires of children. These parenting styles enable parents to set limits and to give instructions in a loving manner. Mothers and fathers who are nurtured can impart their love to their children in a positive and non-oppressive way, thereby promoting better child development. In turn, children benefit from the unconditional love, acceptance, and concern of their parents.
In contrast, the nurturing parenting styles are considered to be the most effective in fostering healthy child development. The most common traits of a nurturing style are empathy, consideration, sensitivity, responsiveness, and involvement. These parenting styles promote self-confidence, social competence, and respect for other parents. Children of these parents are less demanding and tend to demonstrate a sense of responsibility.
When it comes to child outcomes, both the nurtured and demanding parenting styles that were previously mentioned can have favorable or unfavorable effects. According to research, the child outcomes of children exposed to the nurtured parenting styles are significantly better than those of those exposed to the demanding parenting styles. The effects observed in this study also showed significant differences between mothers and fathers who adopt this parenting style. This is the first research that shows significant differences between these two parenting styles on child outcomes.
With this information, it can be concluded that the common traits of these parenting styles can lead to positive child outcomes when adopted by parents. However, each parent should learn how to adopt the appropriate style and practice it with full commitment and dedication in order to get the desired results. A good practice would be for each parent to read more about the corresponding parenting style and talk about it with friends and relatives who have adopted the same style. This practice allows both parents and their children to identify what they do not like about their parenting style. More importantly, it allows them to discover if the style can be practiced successfully without becoming obnoxious and controlling.
