Parenting style affects child behavior in many ways, and this is a fact that every parent and caregiver should understand. Children are like a blank slate, and everything they receive at home—love, discipline, care, or neglect—shapes their thoughts and behavior. Parenting is an art in which every parent raises children according to their personality, beliefs and values. But parenting style has a direct impact on their emotions, social life and learning skills.
In this article, we will understand how parenting styles affect child behaviour? what different parenting styles are? and what long-term effects they have on children?
Parenting styles and their impact
Psychologist Diana Baumrind divided parenting into four broad categories. These styles determine how a child will develop their personality and behavior.
Authoritative parenting: Balanced Approach
- In this type of parenting style parents are both strict and caring
- The rules are clear but the child’s feelings are also considered.
- Communication is open, where the child can share his/her thoughts.
Impact on Behaviour:
1. Children become confident, disciplined and socially responsible.
2. Handles stress well.
3. Decision-making is strong.
Authoritarian Parenting -Too Strict
- In this parenting style, parents are rule-focused, and there is less love and emotional connection between the child and parents.
- parents having an attitude of “Do as I say”.
Impact on Behaviour:
1. Children are obedient but they have a lot of fear.
2. Creativity and self-expression are stifled.
3. Rebellion (due to excessive rules) or low confidence may develop.
Permissive Parenting – Too Lenient
- In this parenting style, parents are more loving and supportive , so they have less discipline and control on their children.
Impact on Behaviour:
- The child can be self – centered.
- The sense of responsibility is reduced.
- Less patience and self control.
Neglectful Parenting – Lack of Involvement
In this type of parenting, parents show low discipline, low support and are disengaged with their kids.
Impact on Behaviour:
- Child feels lonely and insecure.
- Develops low self esteem.
- Poor academic performance and attention seeking behaviour may rise.
Relevance in General Life
- Healthy parenting makes the child emotionally and mentally strong and he or she can confidently face the challenges of life.
- Poor parenting style can make a child socially isolated or over-dependent.
Relevance in Career
- Children with authoritative parenting become leaders.
- Authoritarians are obedient in parenting but lag behind in risk-taking.
- Children with permissive parenting struggles with follow the rules and discipline.
- Children with neglectful parenting lacks in focus and confidence.
Relevance in Relationships
- Authoritative parenting helps children develop healthy and balanced relationships.
- Authoritarian and neglectful parenting causes children to face trust and communication issues.
- Permissive parenting leads to more dependency in the relationship.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how parenting style affects child behavior is an eye-opener for every parent. Authoritative parenting has the most positive impact because it strikes the best balance between love and discipline. But as parents we need to understand that every child is different so changes in this parenting are necessary according to the child.If we as parents understand this, it can have a long-term positive impact on the child’s personality, career, and relationships.