The title might have thrown you off guard. This is a trick question, and for any parent or expecting person reading this, I want you to know one thing before you continue: You're doing great! Parenting is tough and a huge learning curve. No matter which style you are, we are here for you. If you're interested in gaining some information about parenting types, take a quick read! Maybe you'll learn a bit more about yourself and how your world is colliding with your kiddo.
The Four Parenting Styles
There are four parenting styles:
- Authoritative
- Authoritarian
- Permissive
- Uninvolved/Neglectful
What does this all mean? Don't worry, I'll tell you. Keep in mind, no matter which "style" you may think you are, you are likely here reading this article out of genuine love and care for your child(ren) and wanting to be the best you can be for them!
Authoritative
Simultaneously high levels of acceptance, responsiveness, and control. All three of these components are important for effective parenting. Additionally, authoritative parents tend to allow their child(ren) to have a healthy degree of autonomy (or independence). This results in a greater likelihood of positive relationships between parent and child. This type of parenting is seen as the standard expectation in Western society.
Authoritarian
High levels of control, with low levels of responsiveness and acceptance. These parents may be referred to as strict by some. This style may have greater prevalence in non-Western societies.
Permissive
High levels of responsiveness and acceptance, with low levels of control. These parents tend to be referred to as lenient, or even as over-"spoiling" their children.
Uninvolved
Low levels of acceptance, responsiveness, and control. These parents are not present in their child(ren)'s life and may even pose the threat of neglect, in which a child's needs are not met.
Questions for Reflection
- What parenting type am I?
- What are the three nouns that were used to describe parenting behaviour?
- What does being a good parent mean to you?
- If applicable — are you able to think about what parenting style your parent(s) had?
If you'd like support developing your parenting approach, our team at Little Tree Psychology offers parenting support and family therapy in Sherwood Park and Edmonton. Book a session.