Parenting Styles

1 Pages 209 Words

Parenting Styles




Parenting styles vary. Some parents are strict, some are lenient. Some spank, some reason. Some
show little affection, some give an abundance of hugs and kisses. The most heavily researched aspect
of parenting has been how, and to what extent, parents choose to raise their children. Researchers
have identified three parenting styles: authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative. Authoritarian parents must have complete control and expect a high level of maturity from their children. They lack clarity of communication and provide little nurturance. They impose rules and expect obedience. Permissive parenting styles are at the opposite end of the spectrum. They lack control and expect very little, yet open communication and affection are important to this type of parent. They submit to their children's desires, make few demands, and use little punishment. Authoritative parents are the most balanced. They are both demanding and responsive. They exert control not only by setting rules and enforcing them, but also by explaining the reasons and encouraging open discussion and allowing exceptions when making the rules. All three of these parenting styles are easily recognizable by their relationship with their children. The authoritative stands out as the most admirable style....