Top 6 Best Parenting Styles for Every Parent

Family CounselingAugust 20, 2023

Parenting can be challenging. Especially, when it comes to deciding which parenting style to adopt. Do you want to be a parent that is strictly authoritarian or a bit more relaxed as a permissive parent? With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which parenting style is suitable for you and your family.

Now, let’s go ahead and explore the six most common parenting styles of the day to help you choose the best one.

Andrea / Pexels / Parenting is much more than being simply permissive or authoritative.

6. Authoritative Parenting

The authoritative parenting style is one of the most popular parenting styles of the day. It is a balance between structure and flexibility, where children are given appropriate freedom but also learn to respect their parent’s authority. Parents who use this parenting style set high expectations for their children, but they also provide warmth, support, and understanding.

5. Authoritarian Parenting

The authoritarian parenting style is also known as strict parenting. In this style, parents are very demanding but not necessarily responsive to their children’s needs. They use strict discipline and expect their children to follow rules without questioning them.

This parenting style may work for some families, but it can also cause children to feel frustrated, angry, and resentful. Keep in mind that there is a fair difference between authoritative and authoritarian parenting.

Julia / Pexels / Essentially, authoritative parents keep a fair balance between warmth and strictness – knowing when to apply which attitude.

4. Permissive Parenting

This is a laid-back style where parents avoid setting too many rules for their children. Essentially, they prioritize their children’s independence and freedom, but they may not provide the necessary guidance and discipline. However, it is essential to note here that this parenting style may result in children who lack self-discipline and have difficulty managing their behavior.

3. Uninvolved Parenting

Parents who use this parenting style are not involved in their children’s lives at all. They may neglect their children’s basic needs and do not provide warmth, affection, or guidance. This style can cause children to feel unwanted and unloved, and they may struggle with emotional and social issues.

2. Positive Parenting

Next up: Positive parenting is a relatively new parenting style that focuses on the positive aspects of a child’s behavior. Parents who use this style emphasize positive reinforcement, praise, and communication in their parenting. This style can develop children’s self-esteem and self-worth.

Andrea / Pexels / Parents who keep themselves entirely away from their kids are uninvolved parents. Something that is not an ideal style to raise kids.

1. Attachment Parenting

Lastly, attachment parenting is a parenting style that prioritizes creating strong emotional bonds between the parent and child. Parents who use this style often practice co-sleeping, extended breastfeeding, and baby-wearing. This style can foster children’s emotional well-being and promote a healthy parent-child relationship.

Parting Thoughts

Choosing the best parenting style requires thoughtful consideration of your child’s personality and your own parenting style preferences. When choosing a parenting style, consider the long-term effects and ask yourself: How will this style affect my child in the future?

So, choose the parenting style that aligns with your values, your children’s needs, and your parenting strengths. With the right parenting style, you can raise a well-adjusted, happy child.