PARENTING STYLES

PARENTING STYLES

…this is the general manner is which

parents communicate expectations to

their child(ren).

A. Parents develop their own parenting

styles from…

…their own experiences growing up

…their own personalities

…influences from society and the media

PARENTING STYLES

…their basic attitudes toward children

and childrearing which come from

parent’s values and beliefs.

PARENTING STYLES

B. Parenting styles – most parents use

a combination of the following styles to

teach children to behave appropriately.

Specific situations sometimes require

the use of a specific parenting style!

Is Kimmy set up for

success with her

milk? What if she

spills?

PARENTING STYLES

1. Authoritarian – the “brick wall” parent

Based on the belief that children should

obey their parents without question or

hesitation.

AUTHORITARIAN

R is for rules

PARENTING STYLES

a. Parents set the rules to control or

restrict children’s behavior.

b. Parents set goals for behavior (not the

child).

Examples: high grades, chores, etc.

PARENTING STYLES

c. Rules are made firmly clear with

NO input from the children or

discussion about fairness.

Why??

BECAUSE I SAID SO!!

PARENTING STYLES

d. Punishment is firm and swift.

e. Effects on children – how would you

feel?

Children can either be “perfect” or rebel.

Might cause children to lack confidence in

their own decision making skills.

Sometimes necessary for “strong willed

children”.

PARENTING STYLES

2. Permissive – the “jellyfish” parent.

Based on the belief that children need to

set their own goals, rules, and limits.

PARENTING STYLES

a. Little or no structure is

provided.

b. Children are given all

the freedom they can

handle.

c. Parents are accepting

of children’s impulses,

feelings, and behavior.

PARENTING STYLES

d. Effects on children – how would you

feel?

May cause children to behave

inappropriately,

Children may have trouble respecting

authority, like teachers, etc.

May lead to feelings of frustration from

children.

PARENTING STYLES

Bottom line….

Kids need limits

to feel secure and loved!!

PARENTING STYLES

3. Democratic – the “backbone” parent,

also called “authoritative” in child

development literature.

Based on the belief that parents should set

limits and standards but base

expectations on children’s development

and abilities.

AUTHORITATIVE

T is for teaching

PARENTING STYLES

a. Reasons behind rules and limits are

explained.

b. Parents value children’s opinions and

allow them input on rules.

c. Children are allowed some

independence within the established

limits.

PARENTING STYLES

Examples:

Giving choices (both good ones) of what

snack to have before bed.

Tailoring grade expectations to the ability

of the child

Giving age appropriate chores

PARENTING STYLES

d. Effect on children – how

would you feel?

While this requires a great

amount of patience,

Helps raise children’s self

esteem,

Gives children some power in

the family,

Helps children learn “self

discipline”.

PARENTING STYLES

For each situation, describe how each parenting

style might handle things...

1. 5 year old Timmy is jumping on his bed.

2. 10 year old Tina is running around in the

grocery store.

3. 16 year old Tammy is late for curfew.