Parenting Styles

Working with Children

Unit I

Child Development I

Authoritarian

The RockLow Love, High Limits

• Parents’ word is law, parents have absolute control

• Misconduct is punished quickly and firmly• Value unquestioned obedience (“because I said

so”)• Affection and praise are rarely given• Children are told what to do, how to do it, where

to do it, and when to do it.

Outcomes of Authoritarian

• Children with authoritarian parents sometimes end up…– Obedient– Discontent– Withdrawn– Unhappy– Hostile– Not high achievers– Often rebel

Outcomes of Authoritarian

• Children from authoritarian homes are so strictly controlled, either by punishment or guilt, that they are often prevented from making a conscious choice about particular behavior because they are overly concerned about what their parents will do.

Permissive

The MarshmallowHigh Love, Low Limits

• Very soft on their children• Few to no rules or limits; inconsistent• Parents make few demands on children• Rarely punish• Non-controlling, non- demanding• Very warm• Children walk all over their parents

Outcomes of Permissive

• Children whose parents are permissive often become…– Aggressive– Least self-reliant– Least self-controlled– Least exploratory– Most unhappy

Outcomes of Permissive

–Children from permissive homes receive so little guidance that they often become uncertain and anxious about whether they are doing the right thing.

Assertive/ Democratic

The Tennis BallHigh Love, High Limits

• Clear limits• Reasonable expectations, realistic standards• Flexible based on needs of children• Loving but do not give into every wish of children• Children have input into rules and contribute to decision

making• Encourage responsibility• Believe children learn best from accepting the results of

their actions or by problem solving together to find an acceptable punishment

Outcomes of Assertive/ Democratic

• Children of Assertive/ Democratic parents are sometimes….– Happy– Mostly self- reliant– Mostly self-controlled– Cooperative– High achiever– Less likely to be seriously disruptive or

delinquent

Outcomes of Assertive/ Democratic

– Children whose parents expect them to perform well, to fulfill commitments, and to participate actively in family duties as well as family fun, learn how to formulate goals. They also experience the satisfaction that comes from meeting responsibilities and achieving success.

Abuse/ Neglect

The Tack

Low Love, Low Limits

• Uncaring

• Inadequate to meet the needs of children

• Lack of emotional involvement and supervision of children

Outcomes of Abuse/ Neglect

• Children of Abuse / Neglect parents sometimes….– Rank lowest across all life areas– Low self-esteem– Less competent than their peers.