Authoritative
parenting
There are
many differences in the ways which parents use to bring up their children.
However, they can be classified broadly into four. Authoritative style of
parenting is one among them. Strategies adopted by parents can have intense
impact on the child’s life and characters.
It is also
known as assertive, balanced, or democratic style of parenting. It is a child
centered approach where children are allowed to make their own decisions on the
basis of their reasoning, rather than compulsion from others. The parents
provide the children with a loving, caring and supportive home environment.
They usually hold high expectations of their children’s behaviour and progress, enforces certain
household rules and includes their voice in the process of decision making in
the family. These parents are responsive to children as in they are willing to
listen to questions. When the child fails to meet expectations, they are more
forgiving and nurturing rather than punishing. They expect the children to be
self regulative.
Characteristics of children brought up in authoritative style of
parenting
These
children normally tend to be happy, self-confident, and they easily develop
autonomy. Chances are high that they will posses more effective social skills
as compared to others, well behaved and successful at school and are respectful
of others. They are more
capable and are liked.
A typical
example of this type of parenting would be the instance in which in a parent
teacher meeting in a school, a father asking his son why he was disruptive in
class recently and what he thinks he should do to improve his behavior.
Providing age appropriate opportunities for independent activities and decision
making would be a step towards authoritative parenting.
Children
brought up in this method seem to be more successful. Parents give punishments
for misbehaving but, the reason for giving punishment is made known. Therefore,
there is no blind obeying happening. A proper balance between control and
independence is established. In the instance of a wrongdoing, it is made clear
to the child why certain behaviours are not acceptable.
The major
reasons for differences in parenting
styles are culture, personality of the parents, family size, parental
background, socio-economic status, education and religion and norms set by
religions. This style of parenting has got more positive outcomes in certain
places like Europe, but it is not that
evident in other countries.
References
and bibliography
Essentials
of psychology – Douglas Bernstein
Cooper
Smith, 1967, Mac Coby & Martin 1983
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