A Brief Look at Different Parenting Styles

 A Brief Look at Different Parenting Styles : Knowing various parenting styles is very crucial when dealing with various parenting issues. Knowledge of various styles will help parents understand which style to use under different circumstances and the impact these styles have on their kids.

There are three main recognized parenting styles• Strict parenting• Balanced or Democratic parenting• Indulgent parenting

Following are the ways you can use to assess these parenting styles:

Freedom given: When freedom given to kids is minimal and rules are non-negotiable then it is strict style. If you have ring fenced parameters within which your child can function with relative freedom, then it is democratic style. However, if you give complete freedom to your child and you let them know that they are responsible for their actions, then it is indulgent style.

Punishment given: In strict parenting the parent is more likely to punish a child with a smack or some other severe consequence. In balanced parenting punishments are consistent and appropriate to the offence like grounding, removal of items from the child, a quiet naughty chair etc. Most parents would discuss punishments and acceptable behaviour if they follow this style. However, if you follow the indulgent parenting, then usually you do not punish the kids and often ignore unacceptable behaviour.

Relationship with kid: If you follow strict style then you are likely to be more negative and dismissive of your child. You are less likely to praise and reward your child and more likely to follow a tell mode of communication, rather than listening to your kid. In democratic style you are encouraging when they do something good, or when they try and fail and are ready to listen to them and take their views into consideration. In indulgent style you allow the child to do what they want and have a rather laissez faire attitude. You often tell their children that whatever they do is their responsibility, and that they are individuals.

No parent uses any of the above style in a pure form. You might be using one style in a particular circumstance and some other style on some other circumstance. The key one need to remember is that you need to choose the style with care. For example, when your child is small and has just started going to school you can use strict parenting style to ensure that they do their homework on time and get them to follow a schedule. 

As they grow older you can slowly move to balanced parenting style and not be constantly breathing down their neck to get their homework done. You need to set the rule that homework needs to be done by a particular time everyday and leave it to your child to finish the homework. However, when your child enters their teens, you will need to move to indulgent parenting style and let them face the consequences of not doing their homework. Hence as a parent you need to ensure that you are flexible enough and you change your parenting style based on the circumstances.