What the Experts Say About Parenting Styles

Everyone has something to say about how you should raise your kids. That doesn’t make everyone right or mean that you should listen to any of them. Remember though, some advice comes from life experience, some comes from book learning, and some people will tell you what they think without any knowledge.

Make sure that you are listening to the experts when it comes to getting parenting style ideas. Most experts are people that have studied the parenting styles and seen first hand how children and parents worked within each style.

Here are a few things that were collected that different experts had to say on the matter. Many of these conclusions came from years of different studies in places around the world. But remember, there is always the exception to the rule.

Of the authoritarian parenting style experts have said that children often come out with low self-esteem and with a lack of confidence. There is a high level of depression among children of authoritarian parents. Children seldom have behavioral problems, but they also don’t usually excel in school either. Children normally don’t have very well developed skills. They fall behind socially and in the ability to make decisions. But they do hold high standards for themselves and others. There is also five times the chance that these children will be overweight or even obese when compared to the other parenting styles.

When looking at the permissive or indulgent parenting style experts say that children have great relationships with their parents for the most part. This parenting style is great for children that are reserved or withdrawn. Some children may learn to take advantage of their parents given all of the freedom of this parenting style. There seems to be a high rate of behavioral problems. Some children become uncaring, spoiled, immature and selfish if they have too much freedom.

As for the authoritative parenting style there is much good to say. This style is balanced. It creates confidence and independence in children. Children tend to be more cooperative when lead by authoritative parents. Parents impart standards to their children and children tend to be more socially competent. Decision making, with understanding for the consequences, is a big plus with this style. Obese and overweight children are very low in this parenting atmosphere.

With the uninvolved or neglectful parenting style experts don’t recommend it. Parents assume no responsibility for their children and the kids are left on their own. Parents don’t set any rules or discipline for then children and show no affection for them. Children in this parenting style tend to perform poorly. They can often be neglected in big decisions and not know where to turn. Children feel alone and often rebellious. The obesity and overweight rates in this and the permissive parenting styles are three times higher.

Experts also say that parents should look at each child as individuals and find the right parenting style for each child. They feel that many life factors should be brought into the decision making process and that parents should work together to decide. They also feel that parents should discuss parenting styles before they have children around.

Make sure that you understand that choosing a parenting style doesn’t lock you in for life. Making changes and adjusting is what parenting is all about. Also know that most parents use a concoction of different parenting styles rolled into one. Each situation will be handled differently, but it’s that pattern that you develop overtime that is your parenting style. Experts are very smart, but they don’t always know what is right for you.