Though I am by no means a medical authority on this subject, I have had experience raising my child as well as being the oldest in a family of 10 kids, and my experience and desire to learn how to be a better parent for my child encouraged me to look into different parenting styles and look into the research provided on this topic. I had experience with a mix of a few of these parenting styles, both from my parents and as a parent myself. I was trying to find the best parenting style for my child to be a better mom to her and help encourage her to succeed as she grows and develops. My research on this topic has allowed me to share some of my findings. I will go into more detail on different parenting styles in the coming weeks and months but let’s dive deeper into what parenting style is hardest on child development and why research believes that Authoritarian Parenting has the most adverse effects on children.
Before looking into what parenting style is hardest on the child and their development, it’s essential to define parenting style and what this term refers to. Parenting style refers to the overall approach parents use to raise their children. It includes a combination of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that parents use to interact with their children and shape their development. There are a few different parenting styles that researchers have named authoritarian parenting, authoritative parenting, permissive parenting, and uninvolved parenting. Each is described in more detail below.
- Authoritarian parenting is characterized by elevated levels of control and discipline, focusing on obedience and respect for authority. Strict parents may use punishment as a discipline and may not provide much warmth or emotional support.
- Authoritative parenting: This style is characterized by high warmth, support, responsiveness, and reasonable control and discipline. Authoritative parents set clear rules and expectations but encourage independence and supply explanations and reasoning for their decisions.
- Permissive parenting is characterized by high warmth and support and low levels of control and discipline. Permissive parents may be nurturing and supportive but may not set clear rules or consequences for their children’s behavior.
- Uninvolved parenting: Low warmth, support, and control levels characterize this style. Uninvolved parents may be emotionally distant or neglectful and may not give their children much guidance or help.
It is essential to understand that all parenting styles differ from family to family and are not always black and white, and there can be many variations within each type. Also, most times, both parents will have differing approaches in their parenting style. Additionally, the impact of parenting style on child development can be influenced by other factors, such as the child’s temperament and the broader social and cultural context.
It’s important to remember that no one “right” parenting style is guaranteed to produce positive outcomes for all children. The most effective parenting style will depend on several factors, including the child’s needs, the family’s culture and values, and the influences of culture and peers. However, studies show that parenting styles that emphasize warmth, support, and responsiveness have been evaluated to promote healthy child development and positive outcomes for children.
Research also suggests that the authoritarian parenting style is hardest on child development. Authoritarian parents are often strict and controlling, focusing on obedience and discipline. They may use punishment as a means of discipline and have grand expectations for their children without supplying much emotional support or warmth.
Children raised by authoritarian parents may have lower self-esteem and higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to children raised in other parenting styles. They may also struggle with social skills, as they may not have had the opportunity to develop strong relationships with their parents or other adults who can serve as positive role models. They may also have difficulty making decisions independently, as they are not encouraged to think for themselves or make choices in a supportive environment. Read the following book for information on effective parenting.
Research has identified several adverse effects of authoritarian parenting on child development. Here are some examples:
- Poor social skills: Children raised by authoritarian parents may need help developing social skills, such as cooperation, communication, and conflict resolution, as they may not have been able to practice these skills in a supportive environment.
- Low self-esteem: Authoritarian parenting can lead to low self-esteem in children, as they may feel that they are never good enough or constantly criticized. This can have adverse effects on their confidence and self-worth.
- Higher levels of anxiety and depression: Children raised by authoritarian parents may be at higher risk for developing anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems, as they may feel that they are under constant pressure to meet their parents’ expectations and may not have the emotional support they need.
- Difficulty with decision-making: Authoritarian parenting can make it difficult for children to develop decision-making skills, as they may not have had the opportunity to make choices and learn from the consequences in a supportive environment.
- Rebelling or acting out: In some cases, children raised by authoritarian parents may rebel or act out to assert their independence, as they may feel that they do not have control over their lives.
However, it’s important to note that not all children raised by authoritarian parents will experience adverse outcomes. The impact of parenting style on child development can be influenced by numerous factors, such as the child’s temperament, the quality of the parent-child relationship, and the broader social and cultural context. Additionally, some research suggests that moderate parental control combined with warmth and responsiveness may help child development.
For example, children raised by authoritarian parents may develop strong self-discipline and a strong work ethic, as they are often expected to follow strict rules and achieve high standards set by their parents. This can translate into academic and career success later in life. Additionally, children raised by authoritarian parents may have a lower likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors such as drug use or delinquency, as they are often closely watched by their parents and subjected to strict rules and consequences for disobedience. It’s worth noting, however, that these positive outcomes are not guaranteed, and the adverse effects of authoritarian parenting on child development tend to outweigh the potential benefits. The best way to promote favorable products for children is through a parenting style that combines reasonable levels of control with warmth, support, and encouragement of independence and decision-making.
In conclusion, though research shows that authoritarian parenting styles can negatively affect child development, it’s also important to note that each type has positives and negatives. As mentioned earlier, a big part of how the child reacts to your parenting style depends on their behaviors and mentality. Each child has diverse needs; some need more authority to succeed, while others need edification or direction to thrive. The most crucial part is that you, as a parent, do everything with love and understanding. Draw closer to your child, listen to their needs and wants, and encourage the things that should thrive and discipline or educate the child in something they should not be doing.