The 4 types of parenting

• The Permissive Parent

  Permissive parents will often take on the role as a friend to their children, rather than acting as a parent. They will often avoid any conflicts and immediately cave to the demands of children to avoid further conflict and distress. Permissive parents will allow their children to do whatever they want, with very limited guidance or rule enforcement.

  Common traits of a permissive parent include:

  • High responsiveness, low demands

  • Open communication and allows children to make their own decisions, rather than providing direction

  • Will do anything to keep children happy, often at the expense of the parent

  • Rules are rarely set or enforced in the household

• The Neglectful/Uninvolved Parent

  Neglectful parents operate with a sense of indifference towards their children. The parent/child relationship includes limited engagement and limited rules. Neglectful parents can be seen as cold and uncaring, but often this may have to do with other issues outside of the parenting relationship.

  Common traits of a neglectful/uninvolved parent include:

  • Struggles with self-esteem issues and the ability to develop and maintain close personal relationships

  • Low responsiveness, low demands

  • Allows children to fend for themselves out of an overall indifference to their needs

  • Seen as non-nurturing and inattentive

• The Authoritative Parent

  An authoritative parent is often seen as nurturing, supportive and aware of their children’s needs. Parents will encourage their children to have open lines of communications to discuss important topics. Children are typically self-disciplined and autonomous.

  Common traits of an authoritative parent include:

  • High responsiveness, high demands

  • Sets clear rules with children, but also flexible and understanding

  • Sets open lines of communication, with the intention of listening to and understanding their children

  • Allow life and natural situations to occur and use them as learning opportunities

• The Authoritarian Parent

  Authoritarian parents operate with a rigid parenting structure by using stern discipline towards their children. Parents will rarely allow for children to provide feedback or voice their own opinions.

  Common traits of an authoritarian parent include:

  • High demands, low responsiveness

  • Demonstrates little care for feelings and needs of children when setting rules and expectations

  • Communication lines are one-sided, as children are not invited to provide feedback

• What is the best parenting style?

  Authoritative parents are more likely to raise independent and socially competent children. This does not mean that children of authoritative parents will not experience mental health issues, low self-esteem, substance abuse and more. These traits are more commonly found in children who have authoritarian, permissive or neglectful parents.

  One of the most successful methods is to adapt your parenting style depending on the situation. For example, an authoritative parent may adopt a more permissive parenting method when a child is ill or experiencing a difficult circumstance. A permissive parent may adopt a more authoritarian parenting style if a child is in danger or in a precarious situation.