Know your parenting style

Raising children surely must be one of the most rewarding but challenging functions a person could have.

With all the challenges parents face, it is not uncommon to hear them voicing their concerns about whether their child-rearing practices are correct and benefiting their children.

Expert opinions are available in magazines, on social media and from trusted figures at schools and churches, and of course, our elders.

However, parents often might find themselves more lost when the advice they follow have little to no impact on the parenting issues they have to deal with; sometimes even making the problem worse.

When offering parental guidance, it is important always to assess the parenting style of the caregivers to help them identify the problem areas in the parent-child relationship. Three decades of research has given us insight into the parenting practices that result in the most positive outcomes for children.

Three parenting styles have been identified but research has revealed authoritative parenting to have far more benefits compared to the other approaches.

Authoritative parents are identified as caregivers who are highly supportive of their children and responsive to their needs. They respect their children’s opinions and interests, but balance that with challenging their children by enforcing high standards of conduct.

Children raised by authoritative parents are considered children who experience security in their relationship with their parents.

Research has shown they also perform very well at school and achieve academic success. They have high self-esteem, enjoy good mental health and lack antisocial behaviour. They are better equipped to handle and solve problems.

In practice, parenting style can be used to predict the likely psychosocial adjustment of those parents’ children.

In other words, if an authoritative parenting style is followed, you can expect your child to present less risk for experiencing difficulties in his overall well-being and functioning than children of parents following other parenting styles.

Practicing authoritative parenting in itself is not always easy to achieve but with support and guidance, it definitely is possible and one of the most important investments you can make in your child.

Next week I shall discuss the two other parenting styles and offer some insights. Please give your views on authoritative parenting by sending me an e-mail to SandriAppelgryn@gmail.com.