Parenting Styles and Child Development

Parenting style is one of the most significant environmental factors influencing child development. Parenting styles can be classified into four primary categories: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and neglectful. These parenting styles have varying impacts on the emotional, mental, and behavioral outcomes of children as detailed below:

  1.  Authoritarian parenting/ Dominant / demanding/ rigid/ controlling

Authoritarian parenting is a kind of parenting where parents have set high and unrealistic standards for their children. Parents who adopt this style emphasize obedience, discipline, and strict rules, often without room for negotiation or emotional support .The emphasis is on control rather than warmth from the parents. This parenting style promotes order and structure but on the other hand it can negatively impact a child’s self-esteem and social skills. Children raised by authoritarian parents often exhibit anxiety, poor social skills, and lower academic achievement. Children raised by authoritarian parents may struggle with decision-making and may also have a limited sense of autonomy. They may internalize feelings of inadequacy, anger, fear of failure and poor social interactions with their peers.

Such children may be successful in their career but struggle with relationships.

  • Authoritative parenting/ Loving but firm

Authoritative parents set clear rules and expectations but are also nurturing, supportive, and open to communication. This parenting style is considered the most beneficial for child development. Children raised by authoritative parents tend to exhibit higher levels of self-esteem, social competence, and academic success. These children are more likely to develop emotional resilience, good social skills, and the ability to manage stress effectively. Such children develop a high sense of autonomy and independence. They have secured attachment which is vital in developing and sustaining relationships.

  • Permissive parenting/ Indulgent

Permissive parenting is characterized by high responsiveness but low demands. Such parents often avoid setting strict rules or expectations. They tend to be more responsive to their child’s needs and desires but fail to enforce consistent discipline. This parenting style can foster strong emotional bonds and a sense of trust, but it can also lead to behavioral issues in children. Parents in this category may threaten with consequences and fail to follow through. (Remember absence of punishment is a reward. A reward reinforces behaviour whether good or bad. Do not point a gun if you are not ready to shoot).

These children may struggle with self-discipline, impulse control, and following rules. Children raised by permissive parents may exhibit difficulty adhering to authority figures, struggle with academic performance, and engage in risky behaviors due to the lack of structure. They may also demonstrate challenges with emotional regulation, particularly when faced with frustration or conflict. However, these children tend to feel loved and supported, which contributes positively to their emotional development, but they may also inhibit sense of fear or insecurity.

  • Neglectful parenting

Neglectful parenting is also known as uninvolved or disengaged parenting, is characterized by low demands and low responsiveness. (offer little and expect little).  Parents who adopt this style provide minimal emotional support and fail to set or enforce rules. This lack of involvement can be due to a variety of reasons, including personal stress, substance abuse, or disinterest in the child’s well-being. Neglectful parenting has the most negative impact on child development, contributing to significant emotional, behavioral, and cognitive difficulties. children raised in neglectful environments often experience attachment issues, emotional neglect, and difficulties with impulse control. They may have poor academic performance, exhibit behavioral problems, and demonstrate high levels of anxiety and depression. They may struggle to develop healthy relationships in future.  They may also be associated with risks of substance abuse at an early age.