Types of Parenting Styles & Their Influence on Development During Infancy & Early Childhood

Authoritarian

• Parents who practice an authoritarian style of parenting have high control but low responsiveness. They are often very strict and have high expectations for their child̵7;s behavior. These types of parents value obedience and discipline and sometimes use punishment when their children do not do what is expected. They tend to raise children who are obedient and good students. However, the children of authoritarian parents tend to be anxious, unhappy and withdrawn, even at early ages, since they have very little say in what they want to happen in their lives.

Permissive

• People who practice permissive or indulgent parenting have low control and high responsiveness. They allow their children to be self-directed and to make many of their own choices at a young age. Permissive parents set very few limits on their children and generally do not give them any household responsibilities. These parents believe that they are encouraging their children to be free thinkers and to make their own decisions. The children of permissive parents are often rebellious, disobedient and easily discouraged and they also show undesirable behaviors, such as temper tantrums and disrespect for authority figures.

Authoritative

• Authoritative parenting is also known as balanced parenting. These parents practice both high control and high responsiveness This is a parenting style that attempts to combine the best aspects of both authoritarian and permissive parenting. Authoritarian parents understand that their children need both discipline and choices. For toddlers this may mean choosing clothes for the day or choosing between two options at snack time. Authoritative parents generally have children who are confident and happy because they understand the boundaries in their lives and know that they are loved for who they are.

Uninvolved

• Uninvolved, or neglectful, parenting involves low levels of responsiveness and high levels of control. It is exactly what it sounds like. These are parents who do not set rules or limits with their children and are also not involved in their child's lives. In extreme situations, uninvolved parenting borders on actual neglect, where a child̵7;s physical and emotional needs are not met. Uninvolved parents do not participate with their children or take their needs into consideration. Children of uninvolved parents tend to be impulsive and anti-social since they do not know how to get their needs met.