There is much debate on what the best parenting style is for helping children to be happy, successful and thrive. Every child is different, and it can be argued that parenting styles should be able to adapt to the unique preferences and needs of the child in question.
When you are no longer in a relationship with the other parent of your child, it is especially important to make sure that you are on the same page when it comes to your parenting style. Whatever parenting style you choose, it’s vital that consistency is in place, otherwise the child will feel confused and unsure of the consequences of different actions.
The types of parenting styles
While there are many different theories, studies identify four main types of parenting styles. Authoritative parenting is seen as the conscious effort to create a positive relationship with parent and child. Rules are put into place, but the children always understand the reasoning behind them.
On the other hand, authoritarian parenting is identified as a rule-based system where the child knows the consequences of breaking the rules, but does not know or question why such rules are in place. In contrast, permissive parenting allows the freedom for children to break the rules often. This style allows children to learn from their own mistakes.
Finally, uninvolved parenting, as the name suggests, is when parents do not impose any rules and allow kids to make their own decisions.
It is a good idea to talk with your co-parent on how best to raise your children. Creating a parenting plan can be a great way to achieve this effectively.
