There are four main parenting styles:
- Authoritative
- Authoritarian
- Permissive
- Neglectful
Authoritative Parenting is seen in high expectations paired with high support. This is the preferred parenting style, as it promotes healthy physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive development. Authoritative parents encourage discussion and ask questions. Self-esteem is fostered through listening and encouraging the child to voice opinions. These children excel academically and exhibit leadership traits.
Authoritarian parenting is seen in high expectations paired with low support. These parents hold the opinion of the child in low regard, which leads to low levels of self esteem throughout development. These children have a hard time in leadership positions because they feel insignificant when expression personal opinions.
Permissive parenting is seen in low expectations paired with high support. This parent seeks friendship above the role of the authority figure. While these children usually feel love and affection for these parents, there is little respect. These children have issues with school settings and leadership, because it is difficult for them to take authority and responsibility seriously.
Neglectful parenting is seen in low expectations paired with low support. These parents often struggle with substance abuse and mental illness. They ask little to nothing from the child, and remain distant from important milestones and life-decisions involving the child. These children are emotionally unstable, with poor academic results and social instability.
Personally >
My parents exhibited a combination of authoritarian and authoritative parenting styles. I grew up feeling very safe, and I never wanted for anything. My parents expected straight A's in school, but went to every length to ensure I had everything necessary to achieve those results. This mirrors the authoritative style, seen in high expectations paired with high responsiveness. My parents also had a lot of rules, and expected compliance and obedience without question. This didn't change as I got older, which lead to a bit of a rebellious streak. I wasn't encouraged to speak my mind or share my opinion. This displays the authoritarian style.
In the future >
I hope to teach art to middle school kids after graduation. It's important to learn about parenting styles as a future educator, because there is such a variety of parenting displayed in the classroom. Each child comes from a culture, or home-life, different than the next. As an educator, children's behavior must be taken into context with the parenting style from which he/she comes. For example, some children have no expectations at home, and act out when asked to do something in school. It is important to recognize a neglectful or permissive parenting style from these actions, and address the parents accordingly.
