1. Authoritarian Parenting, Permissive Parenting and Authoritative Parenting
The authoritative parent differs from the authoritarian parent. While the spelling of the two is similar, the defense in style is dramatic. Authoritative parenting is a method proven to be successful for competent and socially well-adjusted children. The model aims between the permissive parenting and strict authoritarian parenting. While there are clear expectations, as with the authoritarian parent, there is also encouragement for the child to attain individuality and independence, something lacking in the world of the authoritarian.
2. The Place for Rules in Authoritative Parenting
Guidelines are clear in the authoritative household, but still flexible enough to account for special situations or the child's personality. Authoritative parents aren't friends of the child but they interact and listen to the child's viewpoint in most instances. Even though the parent's decision still rules, there is a mutual respect shown and the child has the right to state their opinion. While consistency is important, there is no room for rigidity in this style of parenting.
3. Not Blind Following
The authoritative parent respects the rights of the child and the child's opinion but expects the same respect in return. The authoritative parent never asks the child to follow arbitrarily but offers gentle interaction and helps the child to understand the reason for the rule and problem with the transgression. The parent never leaves the child feeling unloved, but offers greater respect for doing the right thing.
4. The Social Child and Authoritative Parenting
Children of authoritative parents tend to be more social and outgoing. Studies show that children of authoritarian parents are more withdrawn. Those with extremely permissive parents believe that the universe revolves around them and do not do well when others' feelings are involved. The mutual give and take and discussion of the authoritative parent leads to a better understanding of others' needs and higher self esteem. Both of these attributes contribute to a more socially acceptable personality.
5. Internal Rules vs. External Control
The result of raising a child in an authoritative home is the creation of an independent child whose moral platform comes from within the child. Even though the strict punishment and adherence to rules in the authoritarian home is supposed to bring moral values to the child's world, many raised in that situation tend to look to the outer world for confirmation of right and wrong.
