Reading 3: Styles of Parenting

Modified From: Define The Different Parenting Styles

Authoritative- These parents combine warmth and support with enforcement of rules and use of sanctions when necessary.The parent attempts to direct the child's activities but in a rational, issue-oriented manner. Also the parent encourages verbal give and take, shares with the child the reasoning behind their policy, and solicits the child's objections when they refuse to conform. This parenting style includes consistency, affection and parents are interested in children as individuals. Also they are able to communicate clearly their expectations for responsible behaviour.

Permissive/Indulgent - Parents are high on responsiveness but low on demandingness. These parents take a tolerant, accepting attitude toward the child’s impulses, use little punishment, and avoid asserting authority or imposing controls or restrictions.hey are nontraditional and lenient, do not require mature behavior, allow considerable self-regulation, and avoid confrontation" (Baumrind, 1991, p. 62). Indulgent parents may be further divided into two types: democratic parents, who, though lenient, are more conscientious, engaged, and committed to the child, and nondirective parents.

Authoritarian- Parents are high on control but low on responsiveness. They emphasize rigid behaviour standards, place a premium on obedience, and are emotionally distant and unresponsive.The parent attempts to shape, control, and evaluate the behavior and attitudes of the child in accordance with a set standard of conduct, usually an absolute standard, theologically motivated and formulated by a higher authority. These parents offer little nurturance and affection.

Uninvolved – Parents who are low on both demandingness and responsiveness are labeled uninvolved. These parents maintain a cold and distant relationship with their child. Oftentimes such parents respond to intrusions by their child with hostility and rejections.

Baumrind, D. (1991). The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance use. Journal of Early Adolescence, 11(1), 56-95.

Psychological Outcomes (Briefly Described)

I. Authoritative Parenting

• Lively and happy disposition
• Self-confident about ability to master tasks
• Well developed emotion regulation
• Developed social skills
• Less rigid about gender-typed traits (exp: sensitivity in boys and independence in girls)

II. Authoritarian Parenting

• Anxious, withdrawn, and unhappy disposition
• Poor reactions to frustration (girls are particularly likely to give up and boys become especially hostile)
• Do well in school (studies may show authoritative parenting is comparable)
• Not likely to engage in antisocial activities (exp: drug and alcohol abuse, vandalism, gangs)"

III. Permissive Parenting

• Poor emotion regulation (under regulated)
• Rebellious and defiant when desires are challenged
• Low persistence to challenging tasks
• Antisocial behaviors

Baumrind, D. (1967). Child care practices anteceding three patterns of preschool behavior. Genetic Psychology Monographs, 75(1), 43-88