Given that infants are not provided with a manual at birth, many new parents often feel unprepared and uncertain about how to navigate the journey of raising their child. While they may establish certain non-negotiable principles, the majority of parenting skills develop over time. Various popular parenting styles exist, including authoritarian, permissive, authoritative, and neglectful.
Tasha Brown, a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of TMB Psychological Services, emphasizes the importance of parents educating themselves on diverse parenting approaches to find methods that align with their values and beliefs.
The concept of the four parenting styles—authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and neglectful—originated from psychologist Diana Baumrind’s Pillar Theory in the 1960s. Eleanor Maccoby and John Martin later introduced neglectful parenting in 1983, which was integrated into Baumrind’s framework. Among these styles, authoritative parenting, which combines nurturing and discipline, is widely recognized for its positive impact on child development.
Authoritarian parenting is characterized by strict control and high expectations without room for children’s input or explanations. In contrast, permissive parenting involves minimal rules and consequences, often blurring boundaries between parent and child. Authoritative parenting strikes a balance by setting expectations while encouraging children to engage in decision-making processes.
Attachment parenting, a subset of authoritative parenting, emphasizes responding to a child’s needs promptly to foster a secure caregiver-child bond. While neglectful parenting shares similarities with permissive parenting, it involves a lack of consistent care and support, potentially resulting in adverse effects on a child’s well-being.
Parenting styles are influenced by various factors such as cultural background, generational trends, and family dynamics. Despite the existence of multiple parenting styles, authoritative parenting stands out as the most commonly practiced and effective approach, promoting academic success, independence, and emotional well-being in children.
Ultimately, choosing a parenting style is a personal decision influenced by individual experiences and values. Maintaining consistency and open communication within the family are crucial aspects of successful parenting. Reflecting on one’s upbringing and seeking professional guidance can help parents navigate the challenges of raising children and create a nurturing environment for their family’s growth and well-being.