Managing and controlling a child's behavior can be both frustrating and overwhelming. According to the Child Development Institute, micro-managing and controlling every aspect of a child's behavior can be just as unhealthy as allowing children to be independent and free to make their own mistakes.
Types
The outcomes from various parenting styles are relatively predictable, according to the Child Development Institute. Children reared by permissive parents often lack self-control and do not develop healthy social skills as adults. Children who grew up with authoritarian parents who set strict rules and expect complete obedience often are unhappy and socially incompetent adults. Authoritative parents, on the other hand, tend to rear fairly successful and competent children who respect their parents.
Effects
The effects of the various styles sometimes are subtle and unrecognizable. For example, while the authoritarian parents seem to be managing their children's behavior rather nicely, the children often obey the rules strictly out of fear and do not learn any measure of self-control or competency. The effects of a permissive and indulgent parent often occur because the parent lacks sufficient knowledge about how to discipline a child. Instead of employing healthy parenting techniques, they either yell or just give up.
Benefits
The benefits of developing an authoritative parenting style are numerous. Authoritative parents develop a relationship with their children based on respect, trust and common goals. In addition to learning helpful relationship patterns, children learn about conflict resolution techniques, negative consequences and appropriate rewards.
Considerations
Parents and caregivers face a number of challenges when developing a healthy, working style of managing children's behavior. According to the Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension, children are inherently curious and full of energy. Children are impulsive and easily forget past lessons. They lack the ability to always practice self-control. Caregivers, teachers and parents must be patient and continue with positive reinforcement to help children learn to develop responsible self-control skills.
Warning
While developmental milestones are available to help parents and caregivers discern a child's ability to learn more effective self-control, all children develop at different stages. Children's behavior must be managed according to their levels of development and readiness. For example, some children are slower developing language skills, which can cause them enormous frustration when trying to communicate. They may misbehave or act out when they can't describe their needs.
