Parenting styles
During the 1960s, psychologist Diana Baumrind conducted a study on more than 100 preschool-age children (Baumrind, 1967). She identified four important dimensions of parenting:
Based on these she suggested that most parents fall into one of three parenting styles (the fourth category was added by Maccoby & Martin, 1983)
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is characterised by strict rules and punishment if the rules are not adhered to. Explanations behind the rules are often lacking. These parents are focussed on status and obedience.
Authoritarian parenting styles generally lead to children who are obedient and proficient, but they rank lower in happiness, social competence and self-esteem.
Authoritative Parenting
Authoritative parents are similar to authoritarian parents except they tend to be more responsive to their children. There are strict rules but explanations behind them are given. When children fail to meet expectations they are nurtured rather than punished. The focus here is on setting standards but also being supportive.
Authoritative parenting styles tend to result in children who are happy, capable and successful.
Permissive Parenting
These parents rarely discipline their children. They avoid confrontation and allow their children to self regulate. Permissive parents prefer to take the role of a friend rather than a disciplinarian.
Permissive parenting often results in children who rank low in happiness and self-regulation. These children are more likely to experience problems with authority and tend to perform poorly in school.
Uninvolved Parenting
This style of parenting is characterised by little involvement and few demands.
Uninvolved parenting styles rank lowest across all life domains. These children tend to lack self-control, have low self-esteem and are less competent than their peers
- Disciplinary strategies
- Warmth and nurturance
- Communication styles
- Expectations of maturity and control
Based on these she suggested that most parents fall into one of three parenting styles (the fourth category was added by Maccoby & Martin, 1983)
- Authoritarian Parenting
- Authoritative Parenting
- Permissive Parenting
- Uninvolved Parenting
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is characterised by strict rules and punishment if the rules are not adhered to. Explanations behind the rules are often lacking. These parents are focussed on status and obedience.
Authoritarian parenting styles generally lead to children who are obedient and proficient, but they rank lower in happiness, social competence and self-esteem.
Authoritative Parenting
Authoritative parents are similar to authoritarian parents except they tend to be more responsive to their children. There are strict rules but explanations behind them are given. When children fail to meet expectations they are nurtured rather than punished. The focus here is on setting standards but also being supportive.
Authoritative parenting styles tend to result in children who are happy, capable and successful.
Permissive Parenting
These parents rarely discipline their children. They avoid confrontation and allow their children to self regulate. Permissive parents prefer to take the role of a friend rather than a disciplinarian.
Permissive parenting often results in children who rank low in happiness and self-regulation. These children are more likely to experience problems with authority and tend to perform poorly in school.
Uninvolved Parenting
This style of parenting is characterised by little involvement and few demands.
Uninvolved parenting styles rank lowest across all life domains. These children tend to lack self-control, have low self-esteem and are less competent than their peers
