Styles of Parenting
There are supposedly three categories or styles of parenting although I prefer not to be pigeon holed.
We’ll explore them anyway and then you can decide which one you are, although my guess is most of us are a combination.
They are Authoritarian, Permissive and Democratic/Authoritative.
Authoritarian:
Strict and rigid rules with the expectation to obey them with no questions asked. Punishments are given if children do not conform.
Permissive:
Warm and loving but few if any demands, boundaries or expectations are made on the child. Children are not generally punished or given rules.
Democratic/Authoritative:
There are clear rules and expectations but the child is encouraged to communicate by questioning and talking. Some flexibility with compromises occurs. Children may still be punished and/or disciplined but the reason is explained to them.
- Actually there is a fourth category and that is the uninvolved or neglectful parent. It’s somewhat similar to permissive parenting except in this case the parent does not care about their child and is basically uninvolved.
In some cases children should simply obey for their own safety especially when little but for many things there is room for flexibility.
I would like to explore the styles further but in the meantime you can take this parenting style quiz if you want. They have labeled the styles as Autocratic (Authoritarian) Permissive and Active (Democratic). I was a cross between Authoritarian and Democratic which was no big surprise.
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