Parenting Styles
Parenting is a complex activity that includes many specific behaviors that work together
to influence child outcomes. Research has indicated that specific parenting practices are less important in predicting child well-being than is the broad pattern of parenting styles. “Parenting styles” are the attempts made by parents to control and socialize their children (Baumrind, 1991). This essay defines each of the four parenting styles and explores the consequences of the different styles for a 10-year old child.
Authoritarian parents are highly demanding and directive, but not responsive. “They are obedience-and status-oriented, and expect their orders to be obeyed without explanation” (Baumrind, 1991) his parenting style would likely have detrimental effects on to the socio-emotional development of a 10-year old child. For example, children and adolescents from authoritarian tend to perform moderately well in school and be uninvolved in problem behavior, but they have poorer social skills, lower self esteem, and higher level of depression (Weiss & Schwarz, 1996). In addition, children of authoritarian parents have been described as angry, aggressive, isolated, and disliked by their peers (Elicker, J., Englund, M, & Srofe, L.A. (1992). Permissive parents are more responsive than they are demanding. “They are nontraditional and lenient, do not require mature behavior, allow considerable self regulation, and avoid confrontation” (Baumrind, 1991). The permissive parent is generally described as lax, inconsistent, and use of withdrawal of love as punishment (Connor, 1980). Children of permissive parents have low self control, low self reliance, and are very immature while also are described as anxious, immature, and show little initiative (Egeland & Farber, 1984). Children and adolescents from permissive homes are more likely to be involved in problem behavior and perform less well in school, but they have higher self-esteem,...
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