What Type of Parent Are You?

 

Do your children follow strict guidelines with no room for negotiation? Or do you let the children run the house? According to psychologists, there are 4 parenting styles. Read below and decide which one you are. Then, ask your child(ren) or your spouse which one you are - This should open up some discussion!

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Psychologists have came up with four parenting types - Authoritarian, Authoritative, Permissive/Indulgent, and UnInvolved/Neglectful. 

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An Authoritarian Parent

• Strict parenting

• Expect your children to follow your rules no matter what 

• No explanation of rules - "Because I said so!"

• Little to no nurturing

• Utilizing punishment instead of consequences

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An Authoritative Parent

• Rules/Structure

• Responsive to children

• Willing to listen and consider child's feelings

• Hold children responsible with consequences - positive consequences to reinforce good behavior

• Open Communication

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A Permissive/ Indulgent Parent

• Responsive, but not demanding

• More friend role, less parent role

• Avoid conflict with child

• Very nurturing and loving

• Don't usually offer discipline, instead bribes with rewards

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An UnInvolved/Neglectful Parent

• Low responsiveness

• Often do not fulfill child's basic needs

• Little to no knowledge of what's going on in their child's life

• None or few rules for the child

• Little to no nurturing or communication