Every parent has their own way of raising kids, but have you ever thought about your parenting style? Knowing your style can help you understand how it affects your child. Let’s break down the four main types of parenting styles:
- Authoritarian: This style is very strict. Parents set a lot of rules and expect kids to follow them without asking questions. For example, if a child asks, “Why can’t I stay out late?” the answer might be, “Because I said so.” While this gives structure, it can make kids feel like they don’t have a voice.
- Authoritative: Authoritative parents set clear rules but also listen to their kids. They explain why rules are important and encourage open communication. For instance, if a child wants to stay out late, an authoritative parent might say, “You need to be home by 9 p.m. because it’s a school night, but we can talk about extending curfew on the weekend.” This style helps kids feel understood while learning responsibility.
- Permissive: Permissive parents are very relaxed and let their kids make most of the decisions. If a child wants to stay up late playing video games, a permissive parent might allow it, hoping their child learns from their own mistakes. While this encourages independence, too much freedom can leave kids without clear boundaries
- Uninvolved: Uninvolved parents don’t set many rules or offer much guidance. For example, a child might come home from school without being asked about their day or given help with homework. This can leave kids feeling unsupported.
There’s no perfect way to parent, but knowing your style can help you make small changes to better connect with your child. So, what’s your parenting style? Think about how you handle rules, discipline, and communication, and how it affects your relationship with your kids.