How you raise your child influences his behavior and psychological development. Three main strategies of child rearing, developed by psychologist Diana Baumrind, are widely accepted as the typical parenting styles. Each style has benefits and uses, and while one style may be more favored in American culture, no style is necessarily the correct way to parent.
Permissive
A permissive parent accepts her child's behavior, good or bad, and does not attempt to change misbehavior. According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, a permissive parent relates to her child as a friend rather than as a parent. Instead of setting firm boundaries and rules with consequences, obedience is acquired through gifts or bribery.
Permissive parenting is generally seen as an unfavorable style of parenting, resulting in an inability to regulate emotions, a lack of persistence in the face of challenge and defiant and antisocial behavior. However, Dr. Jay Reeve, a Bradley Hospital psychologist writing for Lifespan.org, claims that shy and withdrawn children, who need love and encouragement in order to form personal relationships, benefit from a permissive parenting approach.
Authoritarian
An authoritarian parent values control, denying his children choices or the ability to figure out the best way to complete a task. Strict and often giving his child harsh feedback that negatively affects his child's self-esteem, an authoritarian parent does not give his child explanations for why she must do something. An authoritarian parent often uses the phrase "Because I said so."
A child raised with an authoritarian style may exhibit signs of anxiety and an inability to cope with frustration, while doing well in school and avoiding risky behaviors. Reeve explains that authoritarian parenting works well with children who have behavioral or conduct disorder but may increase anxiety and fear in shy children.
Authoritative
Authoritative parenting is a balance of permissive and authoritarian parenting. An authoritative parent offers her child age-appropriate choices while still setting rules and boundaries. The parent teaches her child responsibility and to think about consequences of different behaviors.
Authoritative parenting is often seen as the ideal parenting type in American culture. The child of an authoritative parent displays a happy disposition, self-confidence, emotional regulation and effective social skills. Reeve believes the authoritative parenting style works well for a child who is "middle-of-the-road" but does not work with children who are shy or children who have conduct disorders.
