Science Says, There’s A Parenting Style That’s Better Than All Others
It might be too late for you though.
Parenting is one of the most important and challenging roles that a person can undertake. It’s a complex and multifaceted task that involves providing for the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of children as they grow and develop.
The way in which parents interact with their children and the strategies they use to guide and discipline them can have a significant impact on the children’s outcomes. This is why it’s essential for parents to understand the different parenting styles and the effects they have on children’s development.
In recent years, research has shown that certain parenting styles tend to be more effective than others in promoting positive outcomes for children such as academic achievement, social skills, and mental health. But before pointing out which one is best, let’s quickly look at different types of parenting style:
- Authoritarian parenting: This style is characterized by high levels of expectation and strict rule enforcement. Parents who use this style tend to be very controlling and may use punishment as a way to control their child’s behavior.
- Authoritative parenting: This style is characterized by high levels of expectation, but also includes warmth and support. Parents who use this style set rules and boundaries for their children, but also provide explanations and allow for open communication.
- Permissive parenting: This style is characterized by low levels of expectation and a lack of rule enforcement. Parents who use this style tend to be more nurturing and responsive to their children but may have difficulty setting boundaries and enforcing rules.
- Uninvolved parenting: This style is characterized by a lack of both warmth and expectation. These parents may not be actively involved in their child’s life and may have little to no communication with them.
- Helicopter parenting: This style is characterized by over-controlling and a highly involved parenting style. These parents are extremely attentive to their children and often hover around them, making decisions for them and not allowing them to take risks or make mistakes.
According to the latest research, the authoritative parenting style is generally considered to be the most effective. This style is characterized by high levels of warmth and support, as well as clear boundaries and rules. Parents who use this style set expectations for their children, but also provide explanations and allow for open communication. They also encourage independence and provide their children with autonomy.
Research has shown that children of authoritative parents tend to have better outcomes in areas such as academic achievement, social skills, and mental health. Even just one authoritative parent can make a huge difference (Fletcher et al 1999).
Children from such a parenting style have been found to have higher self-esteem, better emotional regulation(Ahmad et al 2019), and be more able to handle stress (Silk et al 2007). They also have better mental health, better academic performance, and lower rates of substance abuse, compared to children of authoritarian, permissive, uninvolved, or helicopter parents.
The research pretty much agrees on Authoritative Parenting as the most effective way to bring up children.
Authoritative Parenting: Hallmarks
- Sets clear boundaries and expectations (tempered by flexibility and understanding)
- Frequent communication and guidance
- Takes into consideration the child’s feelings, thoughts, and opinions
- High expectations and demand
- High warmth and support
- “Tough but fair”
- Discipline is instructive, not punitive
It’s important for parents to find the right balance that works for them and their child, and to make adjustments as their child develops and grows.
Good luck!
