Parenting Styles

There are three main different types of parenting. These three ways are authoritarian/autocratic, permissive and authoritative/active. These three ways are very different. The most effective parenting approach is the authoritative/active parent.

Authoritarian/Autocratic

An authoritarian or autocratic parent is a parent that is control orientated which most of the times comes out being manipulative. They may cut their children down, make the children feel grief. This makes the child feel like their value as a person is dependent upon adults. They are given few choices and love and acceptance is based off of their obedience and compliance to their parent. The parent is more like the child has to respect them and if not you better watch out.

Permissive

            A permissive parent is a parent that is neglecting their child’s needs. The parent lets the child have full reign and gives them lots of choices with very few or no consequences. The parent gives little direction and puts in little effort. This parent is more like a buddy rather than a guide. This type of parent may feel like they are helping their child but they are really neglecting them. Children of all ages not understand the effects of choices made when they are young.

Authoritative/Active

            An authoritative/active parent is the most rewarding kind of parent. These parents are friendly but yet are firm. They talk on their children’s level, not above as being more powerful. These parents are consisted in consequences and are long term orientated. This does not mean they don’t let their children make mistakes but they are about to teach their children from these mistakes.

There is actually a website in which we are able to determine what type of parent we are. This website is http://www.activeparenting.com/Parents-Parenting_Style_Quiz.

            All children need to learn these five basic qualities. These basic but important qualities are responsibility, cooperation, respect, courage and self-esteem. We, as parents need to be accepting of our children. We need to treat them how we would like to be treated and teach by example. We also need to work together with them and have the same concept in mind when we are trying to teach them. But the most important times that you have taught your children is when you are not thinking about teaching them. Think about this. What is one important item that your parents taught you growing up? Was it when they say you down and gave you a talk? Was it when you got yelled at? Or was is when your parents weren’t trying to teach you anything? We learn best through natural consequences. These qualities are all best learned when parents are authoritative/active parents. Children need friendly but firm parents.

"To you who are parents, I say, show love to your children. You know you love them, but make certain they know it as well. They are so precious. Let them know. Call upon Heavenly Father for help as you care for their needs each day as you deal with challenges which inevitably come with parenthood. You need more than your own wisdom in rearing them." - President Thomas S. Monson