The Effects of Parenting Styles on Children
There are many ideas and opinions on how to raise children and how to be a “good parent.” Often, parents get advice on how to parent from their own parents, from their close friends, and even experts. There are three main types of parenting styles: authoritarian parenting, permissive parenting, and authoritative parenting. Authoritative parenting is a parenting style characterized by strict rules, harsh punishments and little warmth. Permissive parenting is characterized by parents who are responsive to their children, but lack rules and discipline. Authoritative parenting is characterized by parents who hold high expectations and set clear guidelines, but are responsive and loving to their children. Parenting styles determine the behaviour of children. The most effective parenting style, the authoritative style, can help lead to positive outcomes for children. It is significant to know what impact each parenting style has on a child's behaviour due to certain parenting styles having a negative effect, and certain styles having positive and healthy effects on a child's behaviour.
A national longitudinal survey was conducted by Social Development Canada and Statistics Canada that observed over 4,100 children over a eight year period. The results supported many of research psychologist, Diana Baumrind's, findings. This included, that an authoritarian parenting style lead to children who are obedient, competent, good at following rules; but they lack in self-esteem, social skills and happiness, and were more likely to be aggressive. An authoritative parenting style, results in children that are balanced, competent, successful, and happy. Lastly, a permissive parenting style resulted in children having poor academic records and they were more likely to clash with authorities. Diana Baumrind believes that:
While it is unreasonable to expect any parent capable of committing to one style and never deviating from it, having an end result in mind – what kind of person you
A national longitudinal survey was conducted by Social Development Canada and Statistics Canada that observed over 4,100 children over a eight year period. The results supported many of research psychologist, Diana Baumrind's, findings. This included, that an authoritarian parenting style lead to children who are obedient, competent, good at following rules; but they lack in self-esteem, social skills and happiness, and were more likely to be aggressive. An authoritative parenting style, results in children that are balanced, competent, successful, and happy. Lastly, a permissive parenting style resulted in children having poor academic records and they were more likely to clash with authorities. Diana Baumrind believes that:
While it is unreasonable to expect any parent capable of committing to one style and never deviating from it, having an end result in mind – what kind of person you
References: Bornstein L, Bornstein MH. (2007). Parenting styles and child social development. In Tremblay RE, Barr RG, Peters RDeV, eds. Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development [online]. Montreal, Quebec: Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development. Smith, L. (2011). Parenting Styles: Authoritarian, Authoritative and Permissive. In Parenting Methods [online.] Retrieved Monday, October 15th, 2012, from http://suite101.com/article/parenting-styles-authoritarian-authoritative-and-permissive-a361151. Wyman, P. (2012). How Your Parenting Style Affects Your Child’s Behaviour. In Articles [online.] Retrieved Monday, October 15th, 2012, from http://www.howtolearn.com/2012/02/how-your-parenting-style-affects-your-childs-behavior.