Parenting Psychology: Exploring Various Approaches to Raising Children

Introduction

Choosing the accurate parenting style for your child can have a significant impact on the way that they perceive things in life and become an individual. As per a research paper called Parenting Styles and their impact on children: A comparative study, published in 2024, in a lot of ways, the parenting style of a parent can predict the behavior and attitude of a child as they grow up. Although parenting styles and philosophy may vary from person to person, these can generally be classified into four basic subdivisions.

Over the years, many researchers have put their studies and observations to highlight the subjective effects of each of these parenting styles. The debate over which of these is the best for the child is a subjective matter as something might work out for one person and something might not. However, to make this understanding easier for you, here is an in-depth analysis of the major parenting approaches.

Major Parenting Approaches

The effects of parenting approaches can be seen on a child more evidently when they transfer into an adult. However, its significance can still be a topic of discussion and debate. Here are the major parenting styles for your reference.

Authoritative

As per a study published in the journal PLOS One published in 2022, this approach is perfect for parents who want to establish a balanced and positive experience for their child. It is an approach that may allow the child to truly explore their potential. A parent who executes an authoritative parenting style at home may let the child truly follow their calling and make their decisions on their own. However, they may still be present as a strong guiding figure right next to the child correcting them whenever they do something wrong. Such a parent may always be involved in a child’s life without invading their privacy.

Permissive

According to research published in the journal J Abnorm Child Psychol. published in 2017, permissive parenting is a style of parenting in which the parents experience a hard time while trying to establish proper boundaries with their child. In such a scenario, the child might become a bit stubborn and demanding. Lack of proper control and boundaries may also make the child undisciplined. In such a scenario, the parents might try to establish an equation like that of friendship but end up having a hard time convincing their child to do the right thing.

Neglectful

As per research published in the International Journal of Psychology, published in 2024, a neglectful parenting approach may have negative implications on a child's mind and self-image. A neglectful parent may always be absent in a child's life. Such a parent may provide no support in the form of resources or emotional well-being. In a lot of ways, the child is left on their own and has to look after their requirements. Such a parent may also have an extremely dismissive attitude towards the child.

Authoritarian

As the name suggests, this type of parenting approach can be predominantly strict and leave no room for the child to explore and do things on their own. As per a research paper called The Psychological Impact of Authoritarian Parenting on Child and Youth published in 2022, this style of parenting can be extremely pressurizing for the child sometimes. Such a type of parenting may involve aggressive behavior and even capital punishment in certain instances. The child might always live in fear and may never be able to put forward their point of view in front of the parent. It can be highly stressful as a parenting approach for the child.

How to Choose the Right Parenting Style for Your Kid

To develop a deeper understanding of how you may choose the right parenting style for your kid, here are some tips that you may follow.

Recognize Your Approach

Even before you select a parenting approach for your child, you might already have several patterns and inclinations as to how you would like to raise your child. In such a scenario, it's always better to first navigate your choices and feelings regarding the parenting approach. To do this, you may start journaling, read parental approach books, or doing your research. This may help you truly understand your perception of parenting. Self-awareness is important for parents as sometimes, even after adopting a particular approach, they might still go back to their natural patterns.

Analyze Your Child

The next important step is to truly understand your child and their particular requirements. The needs of a child can constantly evolve as they grow up. Hence, it becomes important for parents to cater to the subjective requirements of the child and keep molding themselves accordingly. Additionally, the behavior and temperament of each child are subjective. While some kids can be naturally defiant, and some can be naturally submissive. In such a scenario, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Execute a Healthy Collaboration

The right parenting approach is not just about parents but also requires an equal involvement of the child. This is why parents need to sit with the kids and discuss the necessary strategies that can be implemented in the house to make a child feel supported. This may also make the child feel like they are important and being heard. Additionally, parents may gain a fresh perspective that may broaden their vision and understanding of the right parenting approach.

Conclusion

A parent and child relationship can have a significant impact on the life of a child. A parent is always a child's first friend and teacher other than being a guardian. Hence, developing a relationship of trust, companionship and shared empathy can go a long way.