Choosing the Parenting Style That Is Right for You

If you are preparing to have a child, you are probably juggling hundreds of details in your head, including what type of parent you want to be. Along with providing food and shelter, parents play a crucial role in forming their children's spirit, sense of self, and how they handle themselves in the larger world.

While there are as many parenting styles as family units, most can be segregated into less than half a dozen clear patterns. Your parenting style will likely be heavily influenced by how you were raised, community traditions, and age. Choosing the right parenting style isn't about doing it "right," but finding the way that works the best for the whole family.

The different parenting styles are generally based on parental support, guidance, discipline, and attention levels. You may be more attracted to one specific style or morph several styles into one unique to your family. You may be interested in the most encouraged parenting style in America, but in the end, you will parent your kids in a comfortable way. Let's take a closer look at the different parenting styles and how they impact your children.

Disciplinarian/Authoritarian

The authoritarian parenting style is governed by strict rules in the home and high expectation levels. Parents will set rigid schedules, even for babies' sleep and feeding times, and rules will expand as the child grows. When rules are broken, disciplinary action often follows. This teaches children about limits, how to follow the rules, and respect the authority of their parents and other adults. 

Children raised in an authoritarian household are more likely to be goal-oriented, independent, and highly self-motivated. In some cases, children may reflect a lack of warmth or affection with this style of parenting which can affect their self-image and confidence.

Neglectful/Uninvolved

Neglectful parents are often unable to provide their children with the essentials they need, including housing, food, clothing, and affection. There are many reasons a parent would choose to be Uninvolved, but many involve substance abuse or mental illness. 

Children from neglectful households often struggle to form trusting and lasting relationships and suffer from low-self esteem that can be paralyzing. Many children follow the harmful habits of their uninvolved parents.

Permissive Parenting

Parents who practice permissive parenting are often warm and super involved in the development and care of their children. However, the permissive style may be lacking in forming discipline and appropriate boundaries. There are few rules or consequences for actions.

Children raised by permissive parents are often free-willed, independent, creative, and confident. However, with the lack of boundaries or discipline, many children grow into adults who struggle with authority and responsibility.

Authoritative Parenting

Authoritative parents aim to balance both affection and approval with appropriate discipline. This means that most households will have a set of rules, but they may be flexible depending on the situation. Authoritative parents will often encourage their children to be independent with their guidance. Children from an authoritative household are often well-rounded, self-secure, ambitious, and have healthy self-esteem levels. 

If you are preparing to welcome your first child, you will search for a parenting style that works for your home. Consider these various styles to help you find the perfect parenting blend for you and your child.