Raising a child is one of the most important roles in life, and it is one that can be difficult to navigate. Parents are faced with a weighty responsibility of navigating their child’s development, and as such, there are many different approaches to parenting. Effective Evryday Truth parenting involves being honest, consistent, and present in your parenting approach, and being open to learning and adapting to meet the changing needs and challenges of your children as they grow and develop. Disorders and developmental issues, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can influence the parenting style that is best suited for a given child. It is thus important to understand the different approaches and to consider which might be the most appropriate for a particular child. In this blog post, we will explore the various parenting styles and consider which may be the best for a particular child. We will look at the authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved parenting styles, and consider how each might be effective for children with ADHD. We will also discuss some of the other issues that can arise with each style and consider how to ensure a child’s development is not impeded by these concerns. Ultimately,
- Authoritarian
The authoritarian parenting style is marked by high expectations of obedience and little to no communication between parent and child. In this style of parenting, the rules are set and the parent enforces them without negotiation or discussion. There is little to no warmth, and when rules are broken, the parent may use punishments to enforce the rules. This style of parenting may be effective in the short-term, but can lead to a lack of self-discipline and an inability to manage emotions in the long-term.
- Permissive
The permissive parenting style is often characterized by leniency and minimal rules. Permissive parents are loving and accepting and generally place few demands on their children. They may be reluctant to punish their children or set limits and often have difficulty saying no. Permissive parents are more likely to give in to their children’s demands, expecting them to learn self-control and make their own decisions. Permissive parents may also fail to recognize the importance of teaching their children right from wrong, instilling a sense of responsibility, and providing structure and guidance.
- Uninvolved
The uninvolved parenting style is the most neglectful of the four types. Parents who use this style are detached and unresponsive to both their child’s needs and their own parenting responsibilities. They provide their children with basic care but are often emotionally absent and rarely impose rules or expectations. They rarely communicate with their children and rarely provide guidance or discipline. Uninvolved parenting is associated with some of the worst child outcomes, including low self-esteem, poor academic achievement, increased risk of delinquency and substance abuse.
- Attachment
Attachment parenting is all about creating a close and secure bond between parent and child. Attachment parenting is founded on the belief that children need to form a strong emotional bond with their primary caregiver in order to develop emotionally and socially. Attachment parents focus on creating a secure, loving environment in which their child feels confident and loved. This type of parenting encourages parents to be responsive and nurturing so that their child’s needs are met, and also teaches parents to trust their own intuition when it comes to parenting. Attachment parenting also emphasizes physical contact, such as holding and cuddling, which research has shown to be beneficial for both the parent and the child.
- Balanced/ Authoritative
The fifth parenting style is the balanced or authoritative style. This style is a combination of both the authoritarian and the permissive styles mentioned earlier. Balanced parents set clear boundaries and expectations while also being supportive and encouraging. They believe in the importance of structure and discipline, but they also recognize their child’s need for independence and self-expression. They provide consistent guidance while also allowing their children to make their own decisions and mistakes. This style of parenting is often thought to produce children with both a strong sense of self and respect for authority.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. All parents should strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment for their children. Different parenting styles may work better for different children, and as such, parents should assess their children’s needs and adjust their parenting styles accordingly. By creating an environment of trust and understanding, parents can help their children develop into healthy and successful adults.
