Working with Children Unit I Child Development I Parenting Styles Working with Children Unit I Child Development I

Authoritarian The Rock Low Love, High Limits Parents’ word is law, parents have absolute control Misconduct is punished quickly and firmly Value unquestioned obedience (“because I said so”) Affection and praise are rarely given Children are told what to do, how to do it, where to do it, and when to do it.

Outcomes of Authoritarian Children with authoritarian parents sometimes end up… Obedient Discontent Withdrawn Unhappy Hostile Not high achievers Often rebel

Outcomes of Authoritarian 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 parents will do.

Permissive The Marshmallow High Love, Low Limits Very soft on their children Few to no rules or limits; inconsistent Parents make few demands on children Rarely punish Non-controlling, non- demanding Very warm Children walk all over their parents

Outcomes of Permissive Children whose parents are permissive often become… Aggressive Least self-reliant Least self-controlled Least exploratory Most unhappy

Outcomes of Permissive Children from permissive homes receive so little guidance that they often become uncertain and anxious about whether they are doing the right thing.

Assertive/ Democratic The Tennis Ball High Love, High Limits Clear limits Reasonable expectations, realistic standards Flexible based on needs of children Loving but do not give into every wish of children Children have input into rules and contribute to decision making Encourage responsibility Believe children learn best from accepting the results of their actions or by problem solving together to find an acceptable punishment

Outcomes of Assertive/ Democratic Children of Assertive/ Democratic parents are sometimes…. Happy Mostly self- reliant Mostly self-controlled Cooperative High achiever Less likely to be seriously disruptive or delinquent

Outcomes of Assertive/ Democratic Children whose parents expect them to perform well, to fulfill commitments, and to participate actively in family duties as well as family fun, learn how to formulate goals. They also experience the satisfaction that comes from meeting responsibilities and achieving success.

Abuse/ Neglect The Tack Low Love, Low Limits Uncaring Inadequate to meet the needs of children Lack of emotional involvement and supervision of children

Outcomes of Abuse/ Neglect Children of Abuse / Neglect parents sometimes…. Rank lowest across all life areas Low self-esteem Less competent than their peers.