MOMSMACKTALK.COM: A Place for Moms to Connect, Advise & Support Each Other

MomSmackTalk: A Word on Parenting Styles

What Parenting Styles Should I Use?

Any parent will tell you that there is no one single way to raise a child. Different parenting styles work for different parents, and sometimes parenting styles can overlap. Like any other career or profession, it's all about using what works for your particular situation. You should, however, be flexible enough to adopt a new parenting style should the one(s) you currently use fail to yield positive results. No matter what method(s) you use to raise your child, you should always try to "put shackles" on child abuse at all times--try not to lose your cool. It is said there are 4 types of parenting styles, which are briefly discussed below.

4 Parenting Styles

by: Dana Goldberg

Every grandmother and grandfather will tell you hilarious stories of their children when they were first born. And for every funny and touching story they have, they will be able to tell you another for every hardship they encountered. Parenting is something that is done in many different ways by each parent. The following are four general styles employed by parents.

Authority: Authoritarian parents rule on just that: authority. Commands are given to children that they must follow regardless of the circumstances. If these commands are not followed, harsh punishment will ensue. These parents do not welcome feedback from their children. In fact, it is met with severe punishment. The children tend to be quiet and unhappy. They have more of a fear than a love for their parents. Male children have trouble dealing with anger and female children have trouble facing adversity due to their heavily structured life where nothing ever changes.

Indulgent: Indulgent parents tend to be described as lenient. They allow immature and childish behavior. These parents expect the children to learn from their mistakes and to fend for themselves in most times of need. These parents tend to be democratic and allow for feedback from there children on issues. They will hear both sides of an argument and usually make a compromise. Indulgent parents usually avoid confrontation with their children by all means, but do tend to be more involved and emotionally closer to their children.

Authoritative: Authoritative parents are a combination of the two styles previously mentioned. They are the happy medium. While expecting proper behavior from their children, they welcome feedback and questioning on certain issues. They’re able to demand things of their children but are also able to respond to what they’re child says, questions and requests. These children tend to be the happiest, most confident and self assured of all the mentioned parenting styles. It is very difficult to be a purely authoritative parent.

Passive: Passive parenting is being completely uninvolved. These parents may never be home due to immaturity, work or the like. These children are usually raised by grandparents, older siblings, babysitters or themselves. There is no parental involvement at all.

We wish you many happy stories!

What kind of parent are you? Please click here to join our state-of-the-art forums to comment on parenting styles, and say which one, if any, you prefer or use the most.