Parenting Styles and Outcomes Thought to Consider: The way children are parented when they are young can influence the type of people they become. Read the thought statement to students. Ask them how parenting styles and approaches can impact the adults we become.

Types of Parenting Styles and Outcomes 4 Main Parenting Styles Authoritarian Permissive Democratic-Authoritative Rejecting-Neglecting There are 4 main parenting styles.

Types of Parenting Styles and Outcomes What’s your parent’s style? Do you fit any of the potential outcomes? As we discuss each parenting style, think about where your own parent(s) fit most appropriately.

Authoritarian: Limits without Freedom Parent controls behaviors and attitudes Misconduct is punished Parent values unquestioned obedience Definition: Parent’s word is law, parent has absolute control. Misconduct is punished Affection and praise are rarely given Parents try to control children's’ behavior and attitudes Parents value unquestioned obedience Children are told what to do, how to do it, and where to do it, and when to do it. Discussion: What does this type of parent sound like? (i.e.- military) What are the strengths of this parenting style? What do you think are the challenges of relying on this parenting style alone? How do you think the children of these parent(s) function in school?

Outcomes of Authoritarian Style Obedient Distrustful Discontent Withdrawn Unhappy Hostile Often Rebel Children from authoritarian homes are so strictly controlled, either by punishment or guilt, that they are often prevented from making a conscious choice about particular behavior because they are overly concerned about what their parent(s) will do.

Permissive: Freedom without limits Parents are warm but non-controlling and place few demands upon children Children are rarely punished and have little respect for order and routine Definition: Parents allow their children to do their own thing. Little respect for order and routine. Parents make few demands on children. Impatience is hidden. Discipline is lax Parents are resources rather than standard makers Rarely punish Non controlling, non-demanding Usually warm Children may take advantage of parent(s) Discussion: How do you think children from Permissive parent(s) function in school? What do you think are the strengths of relying on this parenting style? What do you think are the challenges to relying on this parenting style?

Outcomes of Permissive Parenting Aggressive Least self-reliant Least self-controlled Least exploratory Often unhappy Children from permissive homes receive so little guidance that they often become uncertain and anxious about whether they are doing the right thing.

Democratic/Authoritative: Freedom within limits Stress freedom, with rights and responsibilities Parent(s) set limits and enforce rules Willing to listen to child’s requests Exert firm control, but explain reasoning Consistent, demanding Respect’s child’s uniqueness Definition: Middle ground between the two above Stress freedom along with rights of others and responsibilities of all Parents set limits and enforce rules Willing to listen receptively to child’s requests and questions. Both loves and limits Children contribute to discussion of issues and make some of their own decisions Exert firm control when necessary, but explain reasoning behind it. Respect children’s interest, opinions, unique personalities. Consistent, demanding Combine control with encouragement Reasonable expectations and realistic standards. Discussion: How do children from democratic fair in school? What do you think are the strengths of this type of parent? What are some challenges to this parenting style?

Outcomes of Democratic/Authoritative Style Happy Content, friendly, generous Cooperative Values high achievement Less likely to be seriously disruptive or delinquent Parental expectations of children are to perform well, fulfill commitments, participate in family duties. Children learn how to formulate goals. They also experience the satisfaction that comes from meeting responsibilities and achieving success.

Rejecting-Neglecting: Uninvolved Parents are disengaged and have low responsiveness No support for children No limits are set Behavior of children is not monitored Parents focus on their own needs over children’s needs Definition: Parenting style that is unsupportive and non-demanding. Parents are disengaged and put their own needs before the child’s needs. Parents set no limits and are not supportive of children. Discussion: In what possible situations or scenarios could this parenting style be seen? (i.e. – substance abuse, mental illness, homelessness, divorce) How could a child overcome the problems associated with this parenting style?

Outcomes of Rejecting-Neglecting Poor self-regulation Low academic and social competence Internalize problems Have problems with peers Poor social and academic performance More likely to take part in risky behavior Children of this parenting style have the most serious problems. These problem behaviors can worsen as a child grows older.

Summary Supportive Parent is accepting and child-centered Unsupportive Parent is rejecting and parent-centered Demanding Parent expects much of child Democratic-Authoritative Parenting Relationship is equal and open; 2-way communication Authoritarian Parenting Relationship is controlling, power-assertive; 1-way communication Undemanding Parent expects little of child Permissive Parenting Relationship is lenient; low in control efforts Rejecting-Neglecting Parenting Relationship is rejecting or neglecting; uninvolved Review the Summary Table with students. Use the Instructional Support Material, Parenting Styles Sketches, or have students divide a piece of plain paper into four quadrants. Have them label the outside indicators (Supportive, Unsupportive, Demanding, Undemanding) appropriately and then instruct students to draw a simple sketch or drawing that represents each of the corresponding parenting styles in the correct quadrant.

Now it’s your turn! In group develop a case study/narrative that demonstrates each parenting style. Exchange narratives with another group and see if they can identify the parenting style exemplified in the narrative. In groups of three or four, have students develop a case study or story that fits each parenting style. Have groups pass their stories to other groups to read; can they identify the parenting style described?