Which Parental Style Are You?

When it comes to creating a positive environment for your little one to grow up in, there are many important elements to consider! A warm and friendly learning environment — like Playgarden Prep’s preschool programs — is key. However, you are also a very principal part of your toddler’s child development. There are a variety of types of parenting styles that many folks employ; in this blog, we go over three of the most well-recognized: the permissive style, the authoritarian style, and the authoritative style.

The permissive parenting style is defined by….well, a lack of definition! The permissive parent operates using extremely loose rules and boundaries. This parent tends to be warm and very affectionate with their children. However, the extent of freedom, as well as the absence of well-established boundaries, can make it tricky for kids to learn the difference between appropriate behavior and inappropriate behavior. New parents employing this type of parenting style can let their standards become a bit too easy-going.

On the complete opposite side of these types of of parenting styles is the authoritarian parenting style. The authoritarian parent is all about discipline. High standards for their little one’s behavior and rigid rules are always in place with new parents using this style. This parent can be very demanding, and possibly a bit dictatorial, over their child. Children often struggle to be heard, as they are frequently shut down or ordered to obey, instead of getting the opportunity to explore and understand their own side of the story.

In the middle of these two types of parenting styles lies the authoritative parenting style. Though the authoritative and authoritarian parents do share the trait of having high standards for behavior, it is important not to confuse the two. The authoritative style places importance on the family as a democracy. Children are offered the opportunity to share their opinions or viewpoints in a give/take environment. Discipline is never offered without reason. The authoritative parent is well-attuned to their child’s needs and wants, while being warm and nurturing, too!

If the authoritative style sounds like something you’d like to try as a new parent, here are a couple ideas to try with your child:

• Set clear boundaries and be certain to enforce them! Be selective when you create your rules — try to apply boundaries that will keep you and your family safe, healthy, and harmonious while allowing your little one a sense of autonomy as they grow and explore!
• If you have to punish your child, always inform them why, and ensure that the punishment is appropriate for the broken rule. Punishments that remove something desired (a toy, a privilege, etc.) will be more helpful in the long-term than adding something negative (yelling, hitting, and the like).
• Always encourage respect for rules and boundaries rather than forcing obedience. Learning cooperation and how their behavior impacts the world around them is indispensable.
• Finally, feel free to express warmth with your little one — fun is important, too!

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