1. 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.

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

3. 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.

4. 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?

5. 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Withdrawn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.

6. 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?

7. 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.

8. 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?

9. 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.

10. 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?

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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?