The manner in which parents choose to raise their children is often considered a deeply personal and private affair. Nevertheless, dedicated practitioners and professionals are committed to supporting parents in developing a comprehensive framework that effectively guides their parenting approach.
The crux lies in enhancing parents’ comprehension of the cause-and-effect dynamics of their chosen parenting style and equipping them with valuable insights on tailoring it to suit their unique family dynamics.
What we unequivocally know is that parenting styles significantly impact a child’s development, with childhood experiences leaving a profound imprint that extends well into adulthood.
While some adults perceive parenting as a natural progression following the birth of their child, assuming the role of ‘mum’ and ‘dad’, the reality is that effective parenting entails a blend of rewarding moments and occasional frustrations and uncertainties. Many parents either adopt their own parents’ parenting style or, conversely, deliberately deviate from it, aiming to raise their own family differently.
Let’s outline a simple guide to understanding the effects that different parenting styles can have on children.
- Supportive Parenting Style
- Warm and responsive
- Firm rules and clear boundaries
- Supportive rather than punishing
- Providing choices
Effects – The child will feel safe and secure, and will trust that their needs will be met.
- Authoritarian Parenting Style
- Lacking warmth and responsiveness
- Firm rules and clear boundaries
- Discipline is aimed at obedience
- Giving orders
Effects – The child does not trust that their needs will be met and therefore becomes emotionally distant and does not feel free to explore new surroundings.
- Permissive Parenting Style
- Warm and responsive
- Seeming more like a friend than a parent
- Lenient with few demands
- Discipline is basically non-existent
- Giving in often
Effects – The child lacks self-discipline, poor social skills and may become self-involved and over demanding. They may feel insecure due to a lack of boundaries. The child may adopt risky behaviours.
- Disengaged Parenting Style
- Lacking warmth and responsiveness
- Neglectful, make few demands
- Discipline is minimal to non-existent
- Giving little or nothing to the child
Effects – The child is exposed to neglectful and insensitive parenting and therefore the can become anxious, insecure, upset, angry, sad and worried. The child does not trust that their needs will be met.
The Play, Learn, Think and Care Parenting Framework
According to the Education Council of Australia, the supportive parenting style should be the goal of every mother and father. Parents can help their children enjoy the best possible start in life by being loving and affectionate, caring and warm. Parents should participate and engage with their children on a regular basis and establish limits to help the child understand and express their emotions, ultimately, being a good role model and protecting them from anti-social or aggressive behaviour. You can provide a solid foundation for your child to lead a positive and meaningful life based on solid values and principles.
Parents Also Need to Look After Themselves
Children can flourish in a variety of environments and circumstances. A parent needs to believe in their parenting abilities, have the self-confidence to raise their children well and to have the necessary skills to do so. A parent’s own health and wellbeing is also associated with good parenting.
Finding assistance
Are you asking, “What sort of parent would I like to be? What sort of parent am I?” Our trained child psychologists offer family therapy and individual counselling to assist in addressing many difficulties of life – no matter how small. If you feel stuck, please call Strategic Psychology to make a confidential appointment. No referral is required unless you intend to claim a Medicare rebate.
References:
Department for Education and Child Development
Victoria State Government Education and Training (Family and Parenting Services)
Parenting and families in Australia (Social Policy Research Paper No. 34)
DECD Practical Guide from working with families from pre-birth to eight years old