Let's Talk About: Types of Parenting

Have you heard about the natural progression of life?

This may include studying at the tertiary education, working at a job, getting married, buying a house & car, and having children. 

Most couples decide to have children.

Then the next question would be: Parenting. 

How do you parent your children?

 

Will you be a cool mom? Will you be a Tiger mom?

How will you choose to parent your children? 

Is there a best way to be a parent?

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Research has shown that there are 4 ways of Parenting:

• Authoritarian
• Authoritative
• Permissive 
• Uninvolved

These are some characteristics of the different types of parenting:

Authoritarian Focus on obedience Believe that rules should be followed without exception Reasons for actions and rules are not communicated Punishment > discipline	Authoritative Put effort in creating and maintaining positive relationship with child Explains reasons behind rules Set limits, enforce rules, give consequences Takes feelings into consideration  Discipline to reinforce positive behavior
Permissive Set rules but rarely enforce Don't give out consequences often Only step in when there is a serious problem Take on more of a friend role Forgiving attitude	Uninvolved Little knowledge of what their children are doing Expect children to raise themselves Unintentional neglect Believe that their child would do better without oversight Or overwhelmed with other problems

Which type of parent are you?

There is a quiz here that you could take (although it only covers 3/4 of the types listed above) or here, although do take these quizzes with a pinch of salt.

Regardless of the type of parent you are, there is always room for improvement. 

Understandably, it is difficult to remain consistent when balancing parenting with working, taking care of your family, being sociable, being a good person etc.

Don't fall into guilt or shame at 'doing parenting wrong'.

Everyone does their best, or what they think is the best. 

There are ways to improve yourself.

There is hope!

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References:

1. VeryWellFamily, 2022. https://www.verywellfamily.com/types-of-parenting-styles-1095045

Photo credit (1) : Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash

Photo credit (2): https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/style/parenting-styles-explained/