Parenting styles and how they affect child development

Types of Parenting Styles and Effects On Children - StatPearls

Terrence Sanvictores; Magda D. Mendez.

Author Information and Affiliations

Last Update: September 18, 2022.

Definition/Introduction

When it comes to parenting, there is a great deal of diversity among families. Cultural backgrounds have a major impact on how the family unit exists and how children are reared. In the last several years, the population of the United States of America has had a makeup. Changes driven by immigration (with different cultural, ethnic, and spiritual ideologies), socioeconomic status, and single-parent families are some of the factors that determine a variety of parenting styles among families. As per the 2014 U.S. Census Bureau data, ¼ of children lived in single-parent families, and three-fourths lived in households with two married parents. These patterns differ when race and ethnicity are considered. Although children can thrive in all types of family environments, data suggest that, on average, children living in single-parent families fare less well than their counterparts.

The definition of culture refers to a pattern of social norms, values, language, and behavior shared by individuals. As a result, parents are affected by their culture. When it comes to self-regulation, parenting approaches vary across cultures concerning promoting attention, compliance, delayed gratification, executive function, and effortful control.

Every parent has a different approach in how to interact and guide their children. A child’s morals, principles, and conduct are generally established through this bond. Different researchers have grouped parenting styles into three, four, five, or more psychological constructs. This article's content will only focus on four parenting categories: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. Every category employs a unique approach to how parents raise their children. Generally, each parent will fall into one of these categories and sometimes have some characteristics from another category. Parenting style can also be situation-dependent.

Issues of Concern

Authoritarian Parenting

Parents of this style tend to have a one-way mode of communication where the parent establishes strict rules that the child obeys. There is little to no room for negotiations from the child, and the rules are not usually explained. They expect their children to uphold these standards while making no errors. Mistakes usually lead to punishment. Authoritarian parents are normally less nurturing and have high expectations with limited flexibility.

Children that grow up with authoritarian parents will usually be the most well-behaved in the room because of the consequences of misbehaving. Additionally, they are better able to adhere to the precise instructions required to reach a goal. Furthermore, this parenting style can result in children who have higher levels of aggression but may also be shy, socially inept, and unable to make their own decisions.[1] This aggression can remain uncontrolled as they have difficulty managing anger as they were not provided with proper guidance. They have poor self-esteem, which further reinforces their inability to make decisions.[2] Strict parental rules and punishments often influence the child to rebel against authority figures as they grow older.

Authoritative Parenting

This type of parent normally develops a close, nurturing relationship with their children. They have clear guidelines for their expectations and explain their reasons associated with disciplinary actions. Disciplinary methods are used as a way of support instead of punishment. Not only can children have input into goals and expectations, but there are also frequent and appropriate levels of communication between the parent and their child. In general, this parenting style leads to the healthiest outcomes for children but requires a lot of patience and effort on both parties.

Authoritative parenting results in children who are confident, responsible, and able to self-regulate.[1][3] They can manage their negative emotions more effectively, which leads to better social outcomes and emotional health. Since these parents also encourage independence, their children will learn that they are capable of accomplishing goals on their own. This results in children who grow up with higher self-esteem. Also, these children have a high level of academic achievement and school performance.[4]

Permissive Parenting

Permissive parents tend to be warm, nurturing and usually have minimal or no expectations. They impose limited rules on their children. Communication remains open, but parents allow their children to figure things out for themselves. These low levels of expectation usually result in rare uses of discipline. They act more like friends than parents.

Limited rules can lead to children with unhealthy eating habits, especially regarding snacks.[5] This can result in increased risks for obesity and other health problems later in the child’s life. The child also has a lot of freedom as they decide their bedtime, if or when to do homework, and screen time with the computer and television. [6] Freedom to this degree can lead to other negative habits as the parent does not provide much guidance on moderation. Overall, children of permissive parents usually have some self-esteem and decent social skills. However, they can be impulsive, demanding, selfish, and lack self-regulation.[7][8]

Uninvolved Parenting

Children are given a lot of freedom as this type of parent normally stays out of the way. They fulfill the child’s basic needs while generally remaining detached from their child’s life. An uninvolved parent does not utilize a particular disciplining style and has a limited amount of communication with their child. They tend to offer a low amount of nurturing while having either few or no expectations of their children.

The children of uninvolved parents usually are resilient and may even be more self-sufficient than children with other types of upbringing. However, these skills are developed out of necessity. Additionally, they might have trouble controlling their emotions, less effective coping strategies, may have academic challenges, and difficulty with maintaining or nurturing social relationships. [9][10]

Clinical Significance

Characteristics of a parent’s upbringing style may continue to be prevalent in the child’s behaviors and actions as they age. As a child grows older, they can be affected by other factors that further shape their conduct or possibly change it entirely (i.e., therapy, culture, job, and social circle). With regards to health outcomes, it is important to identify which areas of concern are related to the upbringing style of a patient’s parents (i.e., the habit of unmonitored snacking) and address the issues at that level. These issues become relatively more important when it comes to behavioral/ psychological intervention.

Becoming culturally competent whenever possible is a great asset for providers who take care of pediatric patients. Understanding the family background, how rules are set, and discipline styles will allow the clinician to understand the dynamics of the family unit. Once the provider is familiarized with the parental rearing techniques, identifying, managing, or referring families will be an easier task.

Nursing, Allied Health, and Interprofessional Team Interventions

Child interventions may require knowledge of their parent's upbringing style, especially if physical or verbal abuse is suspected. Understanding the child's home environment can lead to better patient outcomes as more personalized approaches can be taken towards the child's wellbeing.

Review Questions

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References

1.: Masud H, Ahmad MS, Cho KW, Fakhr Z. Parenting Styles and Aggression Among Young Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Literature. Community Ment Health J. 2019 Aug;55(6):1015-1030. [PubMed: 31102163]
2.: Martínez I, García JF. Impact of parenting styles on adolescents' self-esteem and internalization of values in Spain. Span J Psychol. 2007 Nov;10(2):338-48. [PubMed: 17992960]
3.: Morris AS, Silk JS, Steinberg L, Myers SS, Robinson LR. The Role of the Family Context in the Development of Emotion Regulation. Soc Dev. 2007 May 01;16(2):361-388. [PMC free article: PMC2743505] [PubMed: 19756175]
4.: Pong SL, Johnston J, Chen V. Authoritarian Parenting and Asian Adolescent School Performance: Insights from the US and Taiwan. Int J Behav Dev. 2010 Jan;34(1):62-72. [PMC free article: PMC4026298] [PubMed: 24850978]
5.: Lopez NV, Schembre S, Belcher BR, O'Connor S, Maher JP, Arbel R, Margolin G, Dunton GF. Parenting styles, food-related parenting practices, and children's healthy eating: A mediation analysis to examine relationships between parenting and child diet. Appetite. 2018 Sep 01;128:205-213. [PMC free article: PMC7529118] [PubMed: 29920321]
6.: Langer SL, Crain AL, Senso MM, Levy RL, Sherwood NE. Predicting child physical activity and screen time: parental support for physical activity and general parenting styles. J Pediatr Psychol. 2014 Jul;39(6):633-42. [PMC free article: PMC4092246] [PubMed: 24812256]
7.: Leeman RF, Patock-Peckham JA, Hoff RA, Krishnan-Sarin S, Steinberg MA, Rugle LJ, Potenza MN. Perceived parental permissiveness toward gambling and risky behaviors in adolescents. J Behav Addict. 2014 Jun;3(2):115-23. [PMC free article: PMC4117283] [PubMed: 25215222]
8.: Piotrowski JT, Lapierre MA, Linebarger DL. Investigating Correlates of Self-Regulation in Early Childhood with a Representative Sample of English-Speaking American Families. J Child Fam Stud. 2013 Apr;22(3):423-436. [PMC free article: PMC3602616] [PubMed: 23525149]
9.: Nijhof KS, Engels RC. Parenting styles, coping strategies, and the expression of homesickness. J Adolesc. 2007 Oct;30(5):709-20. [PubMed: 17258804]
10.: Kuppens S, Ceulemans E. Parenting Styles: A Closer Look at a Well-Known Concept. J Child Fam Stud. 2019;28(1):168-181. [PMC free article: PMC6323136] [PubMed: 30679898]

Types of Parenting Styles and Effects On Children - StatPearls

Terrence Sanvictores; Magda D. Mendez.

Author Information and Affiliations

Last Update: September 18, 2022.

Definition/Introduction

Issues of Concern

Authoritarian Parenting

Authoritative Parenting

Permissive Parenting

Uninvolved Parenting

Clinical Significance

Nursing, Allied Health, and Interprofessional Team Interventions

Review Questions

Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.
Comment on this article.

References

1.: Masud H, Ahmad MS, Cho KW, Fakhr Z. Parenting Styles and Aggression Among Young Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Literature. Community Ment Health J. 2019 Aug;55(6):1015-1030. [PubMed: 31102163]
2.: Martínez I, García JF. Impact of parenting styles on adolescents' self-esteem and internalization of values in Spain. Span J Psychol. 2007 Nov;10(2):338-48. [PubMed: 17992960]
3.: Morris AS, Silk JS, Steinberg L, Myers SS, Robinson LR. The Role of the Family Context in the Development of Emotion Regulation. Soc Dev. 2007 May 01;16(2):361-388. [PMC free article: PMC2743505] [PubMed: 19756175]
4.: Pong SL, Johnston J, Chen V. Authoritarian Parenting and Asian Adolescent School Performance: Insights from the US and Taiwan. Int J Behav Dev. 2010 Jan;34(1):62-72. [PMC free article: PMC4026298] [PubMed: 24850978]
5.: Lopez NV, Schembre S, Belcher BR, O'Connor S, Maher JP, Arbel R, Margolin G, Dunton GF. Parenting styles, food-related parenting practices, and children's healthy eating: A mediation analysis to examine relationships between parenting and child diet. Appetite. 2018 Sep 01;128:205-213. [PMC free article: PMC7529118] [PubMed: 29920321]
6.: Langer SL, Crain AL, Senso MM, Levy RL, Sherwood NE. Predicting child physical activity and screen time: parental support for physical activity and general parenting styles. J Pediatr Psychol. 2014 Jul;39(6):633-42. [PMC free article: PMC4092246] [PubMed: 24812256]
7.: Leeman RF, Patock-Peckham JA, Hoff RA, Krishnan-Sarin S, Steinberg MA, Rugle LJ, Potenza MN. Perceived parental permissiveness toward gambling and risky behaviors in adolescents. J Behav Addict. 2014 Jun;3(2):115-23. [PMC free article: PMC4117283] [PubMed: 25215222]
8.: Piotrowski JT, Lapierre MA, Linebarger DL. Investigating Correlates of Self-Regulation in Early Childhood with a Representative Sample of English-Speaking American Families. J Child Fam Stud. 2013 Apr;22(3):423-436. [PMC free article: PMC3602616] [PubMed: 23525149]
9.: Nijhof KS, Engels RC. Parenting styles, coping strategies, and the expression of homesickness. J Adolesc. 2007 Oct;30(5):709-20. [PubMed: 17258804]
10.: Kuppens S, Ceulemans E. Parenting Styles: A Closer Look at a Well-Known Concept. J Child Fam Stud. 2019;28(1):168-181. [PMC free article: PMC6323136] [PubMed: 30679898]

The influence of the style of family education on the personality of the child

What role a child occupies in the family and how his communication with relatives develops directly depends on what he will become in the future, how he will look at the world and interact with people around him. The family is the cradle of a child's development. Knowing about the different styles of family education, their pros and cons, will allow you to develop your own style and create harmonious family relationships.

The role of the family in shaping the personality of the child

Relationships within the family are often perceived by the child as a role model. Most psychologists are sure that it is the flaws of upbringing in childhood that cause difficulties in communication in adulthood. The formation of the personality of the baby directly depends on what model of education is characteristic of his family.

Parents have a huge influence on their baby, since it is they, and not educators, coaches or teachers, who spend most of the time with the child, and their communication model becomes an example to follow.

There are many classifications of family education styles, which are based on various criteria for relationships within the family. In this article, we will introduce you to the classifications proposed by the following authors:

J. Bolnwin;
G. Craig;
D. Elder;
L.G. Sagotovskaya;
E.G. Eidemiller.

Styles of family education according to J. Baldwin

In the classification of J. Baldwin, two styles of education are distinguished. The division between democratic and controlling style was based on such criteria as the nature of the requirements for the child, the degree of control, emotional support and evaluation.

Democratic parenting style

Supervisory parenting style

There is a high level of trust in the family, everyone is ready to help each other. The opinion of all family members is taken into account when solving important issues. The child is perceived as an independent person.

A large number of prohibitions and rules.

The child is perceived as a member of the family who does not have his own opinion and must listen to his parents in everything. The level of trust in the family is low.

Research by psychologists has shown that children who were brought up in families with a democratic style of upbringing most often have the following characteristics:

Tendency to leadership;
Comprehensive development;
Social activity;
Sociability;
Lack of empathy, lack of altruism.

In families with a controlling parenting style, children grow up:

Suggestible;
Obedient;
Non-initiative;
Alarming.

Such "pure" variants of family education are rare, most families adhere to a mixed style.

Classification of parenting styles by G.

Kraig

Styles of family education according to G. Kraig can be divided on the basis of two criteria: the degree of parental control and the trusting relationship in the family. The researcher identifies four main styles of education:

The authoritative style of family education is one of the most harmonious. This parental position is based on trust in your child, but the level of control remains at a high level. As a result, friendly relations are established in the family, and the baby gets enough freedom for self-realization. Children in such families usually grow up purposeful and self-confident, as well as capable of self-control.
An authoritarian parenting style most often leads to strained intra-family relationships. It is based on total control. A child in a family where this style of upbringing is followed becomes fearful, irritable, aggressive, dependent.

The liberal style of family education is characterized by a low level of control over children and trusting relationships within the family. The behavior of the child is practically not regulated, but at the same time, children learn to control themselves. Growing up, children most often become active and creative individuals.
With an indifferent parenting style, the child is given the maximum level of freedom. Adults devote little time to children, so relationships within such families are not warm. Using this style of family parenting is fraught with the risk that the child may grow up hostile and anti-social.

Styles of parenting according to D. Elder

D. Elder distinguishes seven types of family education. The classification criteria are the degree of control and pressure on the child.

Style of family education	Control level
Autocratic parenting style	Maximum (total control and suppression of the will of the child)
Authoritarian parenting style	High level of control (parents make decisions, but the child can express his opinion)
Democratic parenting style	Moderate (every family member has the right to vote)
Egalitarian parenting style	Self-control (the rights and obligations of adults and children are completely equal)
Permissive parenting style	Low supervision
Permissive parenting style	Lack of control (complete freedom of action of the child)
Ignoring parenting style	Complete lack of control and interest in the child's life

The degree of control over the actions of the child is a very important indicator of the style of family education. How much freedom a child is given in childhood depends on whether he grows up self-confident, active and enterprising, or, on the contrary, becomes an anxious and inactive person.

Classification of family education styles L.G. Sagotovskoy

This classification describes six possible parenting styles that differ in the degree of emotionality of the relationship between adults and the child, as well as the role of children in family life.

The child is the main concern and goal of adult life;
The child is the object of pedagogical efforts;
Child helper, small adult;
The child is a friend, an independent person;
Child - "empty place";
The child is a nuisance.

Variants of pathological styles of family education (EG Eidemiller)

The author of this classification identifies styles of family education that are abnormal and have a negative impact on the development of the child's personality. Parenting styles differ in the level of adult participation in the lives of children, the degree of control and attention of parents to the individual characteristics of the child.

Hypo-custody is insufficient care for a child. Children in such a situation are left to themselves, contacts within the family are minimal and superficial. The extreme degree of hypoprotection is neglect and pedagogical neglect.
Dominant overprotection - excessive care for the child in conjunction with complete control of behavior. In such families there are a huge number of prohibitions. As a result, children may grow up to be dependent and lack of initiative.
Indulgent overprotection is a parenting style that puts the child's desires and success at the forefront. Parents fulfill all the whims of their baby. Often, children who grew up in such “hothouse” conditions have a hard time in adulthood.

Emotional rejection. With this parenting style, adults do not want to participate in the lives of children, often resorting to punishment. Such "cold" parents may consider it their duty only to provide for the child and do not care about the emotional well-being of the baby.
Excessive requirements. Sometimes parents impose too many responsibilities on the child and demand from him what he is not yet capable of. This attitude towards the crumbs as a small adult often leads to increased anxiety and depression.
Inconsistency. The chaotic style of family education, which may arise due to the lack of a single position among parents or their fear of seeming unloving to the baby. Floating boundaries of what is permitted and inconsistency develop in the child impulsiveness, insecurity, instability of self-esteem. A kid who does not have a clear picture of the world does not get the feeling of security and predictability he needs.

Advice for parents

In this article we have told you about the different styles of parenting. Although each of the authors gave the styles their own name and used different classification criteria, they all talked about the same thing. In the traditional classification, which generalizes the options proposed earlier, four main types of family education are presented: authoritarian (powerful), democratic (respectful), indulgent (overprotective), conniving (indifferent). Their features are clearly shown in the video:

The authoritarian parenting style assumes that the word of the parents for the child is the law. Few children can retain their individuality at the same time, most often the baby grows up distrustful, withdrawn, dependent. During adolescence, the child may experience rebelliousness and antisocial behavior.

If you notice an authoritarian pattern of behavior behind you, try to change your attitude towards the child. It is necessary to reduce the pressure on the baby and pay attention to his own needs and desires.

The other extreme is the permissive style of family upbringing, in which everything is allowed for the child. Often parents use this parenting style to show their love, but this strategy does not lead to positive results. The absence of parental authority and any restrictions inadequately overestimates the child's self-esteem, which can lead to communication difficulties.

The child's development is negatively affected by both total parental control and lack of discipline. Restrictions and prohibitions are very important for the baby. They teach him to control his actions and behave within the framework of social norms.

The most harmonious style of family education is the democratic style. It is a combination of discipline and respect for the freedom of the child. Adults do not infringe on the rights of children, and they, in turn, have a number of responsibilities. Close trusting relationships are established within the family. As a result, children grow up sociable, self-confident and independent.

Conclusions

The influence of the style of family education on the formation of a child's personality is an extremely important and urgent problem. What style you follow when raising your baby directly affects his self-esteem, sociability, activity, independence and, in general, his attitude to the world. The most harmonious and effective is the democratic style of education, which is based on equality, mutual respect, care and love.

Conclusion

We are confident that every parent wants only the best for their child and is aware of their responsibility for their development. A favorable climate in the family, love and respect - this is what a baby needs to be self-confident and enjoy exploring the world. Bringing your child to classes at the Constellation Montessori Children's Center, you can be sure that here he will be treated as a unique person, respect his feelings and appreciate his freedom of choice.

Article prepared by psychologist
Safonova Maria

The influence of parenting style on the development of children

There are different styles of parenting. Every family develops its own strategy of influencing parents on children, called the parenting style. Psychologists systematized various types of relationships between children and parents and identified the main styles of raising a child. Each of them has a different effect on the child's personality, which affects the results. Therefore, you need to choose for yourself which styles of raising a child in a family are right for you.

WHAT DOES FAMILY EDUCATION INFLUENCE?

Different styles of family upbringing of a child affect many aspects of his life. Education is the foundation for the formation of individuality; the character of the baby, his life goals and socialization in the world will depend on it in the future.

The family plays the leading role in shaping the child's personality. Parents may not think about it, but each family creates its own special system of education. It is in the family that the first, basic norms of behavior are born, which the child unquestioningly takes over. What kind of parenting style your family life is more like will determine how your children grow up.

WHY AND FOR WHAT SHOULD WE USE PARENTING STYLES?

Every parent at some point dreams that when their child grows up, he will become successful, smart, athletic, creative. But how can this be achieved? Is it possible to interfere in the privacy of a child? What are the rules for relationships? Where is the line between indifference and overprotection? How to raise an independent and self-sufficient child?

To answer these questions, psychologists have identified four types of education: liberal, democratic, patronizing, authoritarian. Proper use of these styles will help to reconsider views on education in order to find harmony in the family.

AUTHORITARY EDUCATIONAL STYLE

To a greater extent, this style is characterized by the desire of adults to control every step of their child. They require high performance and almost completely do not give the opportunity to take the initiative. Usually, in such a family, all conflicts are resolved not by finding compromises, but by one of the adults alone by demonstrating moral pressure or using force.

Over time, the authority of such parents in the eyes of the child falls, which means that such means of control lose their power. When choosing this style, children grow up, but do not know what place they occupy in the world and what they want from life. On the other hand, it is possible to copy the characters of the parents. As a result, this can result in hatred for the world, aggressiveness, and the solution of issues solely by force.

DEMOCRATIC EDUCATIONAL STYLE

The main authority for children is their parents, and problematic moments are solved by finding compromises without the use of aggression and force. They try to grow an independent, formed personality. Participate in the life of the child and support his aspirations. Children develop healthy self-esteem and their own opinion. Warm and friendly relationships are built with loved ones, which are based on mutual trust. This is the most harmonious form of education.

AUTHORITY AND DEMOCRACY IN RELATIONS

As the name implies, the authoritarian style of upbringing involves the parents building a certain model, an image that their child must match. They make every effort to bring their son or daughter closer to this ideal:

select developmental activities without taking into account children's interests;
practice coercion and suppression in relationships;
do not allow independence.

The most common reaction to these methods is fright, adaptation to the demands of adults. Preschool children pretend to be obedient, neat, executive, but in fact they are not, which means they are deceiving.

A vivid example of the authoritarian style of upbringing is the pedagogical efforts of the housekeeper Freken Bock. Everyone knows what they led to.
If parents recognize the child's right to independent decisions, their own opinions, mistakes, build relationships on trust, equal dialogues, we are talking about a democratic style. Adults make a number of demands, on the implementation of which they inexorably insist, but some things are ready to be discussed. Psychologists believe that such relationships are the basis for the harmonious development of the individual.

LIBERAL EDUCATIONAL STYLE

There is an almost complete lack of control over children. The dominant position is occupied by a trusting attitude, but in particular, non-interference in the life of a teenager prevails. Children acquire the skills of independence, but at the same time become relaxed. The personality of a teenager is formed practically without the participation of an adult. Subsequently, this can lead to one of several options for personal development:

Lack of warm emotional attachments in friendships, family and love relationships. Freedom, indifference and lack of desire to provide support, offer help to loved ones.
Absolute indifference can be traced in behavior, a person begins to behave boldly and irresponsibly, can be rude, lie and lead an immoral lifestyle.

Parents are advised to change their attitude towards the child. He may deny, but he needs your participation in his life. Show that he is really important to you, be interested in his opinion.

UNLIMITED FREEDOM AND INDIFFERENCE

These two concepts characterize, respectively, liberal and indifferent (or conniving) styles of education.

The first is characterized by:

low level of exactingness;
absence of prohibitions and restrictions;
the habit of pampering children.

Young children in such families are highly susceptible to stress. They are not ready for new circumstances, they do not know the word “no”, they respond with disobedience to any prohibitions. If you recognize your model of relationships with children in this description, the situation needs to be corrected. Mental arithmetic classes help to successfully resist stress, to realize oneself as part of a team, to learn to fulfill the requirements of adults. All of the above occurs in parallel with the leap in intellectual development.

Referring to busyness, fatigue at work, some parents leave the child to himself. They are indifferent to successes or failures in their studies, they are not interested in sports achievements, the social circle of children, and so on. Boys and girls in such families acutely feel uselessness, they develop low self-esteem, a negative attitude towards others, and isolation.

GUARDIAN EDUCATIONAL STYLE

Guardianship itself is necessary for a baby, but when adults overly care for children, this begins to limit their independence. Hyper-custody forms in the child, on the one hand, an increase in self-esteem and narcissism, on the other hand, slowness in socialization and helplessness in relation to life's difficulties. The desire to protect their children from all difficulties, the desire to do everything for him, turns into unwillingness and inability to do anything on his own in the future. As a rule, such people in the future fall under the absolute influence of stronger personalities.

Do not be upset if it seems that time has already been lost and nothing can be changed. This is wrong. In any family, these styles are mixed, forming something in between, usually consisting of two parts. Whatever styles of upbringing you are guided by, the most important thing is always love.