Authoritarian & Authoritative Parenting Styles

Parenting styles are concepts that originate in developmental psychology and describe the ways in which parents influence, teach and control their children. Rather than looking at the specific behaviors of parents, parenting styles consider broader patterns of methods. Psychologists recognize three primary parenting styles: permissive, authoritarian and authoritative. Since these categories work together to define parenting style, the best way to understand authoritarian and authoritative styles is to also understand what defines permissive parenting.

  1. Permissive

    • Permissive parenting style is marked by a lack of rules or standards. Rather than regulating children through rule and restrictions these types of parents allow children to regulate themselves without penalties or discipline. These parents tend to reject the idea of controlling their children. Permissive parents are criticized for not imposing limits.

      However, permissive parents also tend to display good parenting skills in by displaying warmth towards their children and nurturing them.

      By not setting standards for behavior or giving consequences for wrong-doing, permissive parents may not be teaching their children many skills for successful socializing. These children develop a false sense of entitlement and can be self-centered.

      Children raised by permissive parents tend to have good self-esteem and lower levels of depression but are more likely to have problem behaviors and problems in school.

    Authoritarian

    • Authoritarian parents are considered exclusively with asserting their control and authority over their children. These parents expect obedience in their children by creating strict rules and highly structured environments. Authoritarian parents expect their children to obey them without explanation. They use shame, withdrawal of emotions and punishment to exert control. These parents are criticized for lacking warmth toward their children and don't explain the reasons for their rigid rules or discipline. These children tend to have difficulties expressing emotions as adults and seek structures and strict rules as adults.

      According to the Ahealth website, children raised by authoritarian parents do well in school, however, they tend to have poor social skills, low self-esteem and are more likely to be depressed.

    Authoritative

    • The authoritative approach is considered the most moderate parenting style. Authoritative parents set high standards. They are warm and nurturing to their children but also set limits and boundaries for their child's behavior. Authoritative parents encourage their children to ask questions and offer explanations for the consequences related to good or bad behavior. They encourage independence while also fostering self-discipline and maturity in their children. By understanding the reasoning behind rules and boundaries, children raised by authoritative parents develop a better sense of empathy and better social skills as adults. These children develop the skills to become socially responsible, self-regulating and cooperative adults.

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