Parenting Styles

Authoritarian Parents are generally strict in rearing their children

Parents decide the rules, inform the children of them, and then enforce them. Parents decide the rules, inform the children of them, and then enforce them. Patterns of parent behavior are predictable. The children can expect their parents to respond in about the same way to similar situations. Patterns of parent behavior are predictable. The children can expect their parents to respond in about the same way to similar situations.

Parents show little or no flexibility in their handling of guidance or discipline. Parents show little or no flexibility in their handling of guidance or discipline. Parents see themselves as the authority figures in the family. They require their children to conform to their directions and expectations. Parents see themselves as the authority figures in the family. They require their children to conform to their directions and expectations.

Democratic Parents consider both the child’s needs and their own point of view when making decisions.

Parents and children work together to set rules. Children are then expected to conform to these rules. If they do not, they help determine the consequences of their behavior. Parents and children work together to set rules. Children are then expected to conform to these rules. If they do not, they help determine the consequences of their behavior. Patterns of parent behavior are predictable most of the time. Parents usually respond in similar ways to similar situations. Patterns of parent behavior are predictable most of the time. Parents usually respond in similar ways to similar situations.

Principles of guidance and discipline are generally discussed by parents and children. Both parents and children can suggest changes that may be needed because of changing circumstances. Principles of guidance and discipline are generally discussed by parents and children. Both parents and children can suggest changes that may be needed because of changing circumstances. Parents see themselves as leaders in helping their children learn to share in responsibilities for the well-being of the family. Parents see themselves as leaders in helping their children learn to share in responsibilities for the well-being of the family.

Permissive Parents who generally permit a wide range of behavior.

Parents set few specific rules and allow the children much freedom and self- expression. Parents set few specific rules and allow the children much freedom and self- expression. Patterns of parent behavior are somewhat difficult to predict. Parents may respond in different ways to similar situations, depending upon the circumstances and the child involved. Patterns of parent behavior are somewhat difficult to predict. Parents may respond in different ways to similar situations, depending upon the circumstances and the child involved.

Parents may change their guidance to meet individual situations. Parents may change their guidance to meet individual situations. Parents expect their children to make many choices and face the consequences of their decisions. Parents expect their children to make many choices and face the consequences of their decisions.

Characteristics of Successful Parents Adaptability Adaptability Sense of humor Sense of humor Maturity Maturity Positive self- concept Positive self- concept Emotional health Emotional health Patience Patience Integrity Integrity Team work Team work

Undesirable Parenting Practices Unrealistic expectations Unrealistic expectations Indulgence Indulgence Submissiveness Submissiveness Overprotection Overprotection Belittling Belittling Neglect Neglect Rejection Rejection