Describe the parenting styles that are used in raising a normal child.

Parenting Styles: A Detailed Overview

Parenting styles are not rigid categories, and parents often exhibit a blend of different approaches. However, four main styles are commonly identified:

1. Authoritative Parenting

This style is characterized by high demandingness and high responsiveness. Authoritative parents set clear expectations and rules but are also warm, supportive, and responsive to their children’s needs. They explain the reasons behind their rules and encourage open communication.

• Characteristics: Clear expectations, consistent discipline, warmth, responsiveness, open communication, encouragement of independence.
• Behavioral Outcomes: Children tend to be self-reliant, responsible, socially competent, academically successful, and have high self-esteem.
• Potential Drawbacks: Can be time-consuming, requires consistent effort, may be perceived as overly involved by some.
• Example: A parent who sets a bedtime but discusses the importance of sleep with their child and allows them some flexibility within reasonable limits.

2. Authoritarian Parenting

Authoritarian parenting is marked by high demandingness and low responsiveness. These parents are strict, controlling, and expect obedience without question. They often use punishment rather than explanation and show little warmth or affection.

• Characteristics: Strict rules, high expectations, little warmth, harsh punishment, limited communication, emphasis on obedience.
• Behavioral Outcomes: Children may be obedient and proficient but often exhibit anxiety, low self-esteem, aggression, and difficulty with social interactions.
• Potential Drawbacks: Can lead to resentment, rebellion, and a strained parent-child relationship.
• Example: A parent who imposes strict rules without explanation and punishes any deviation with harsh consequences.

3. Permissive Parenting

Permissive parenting is characterized by low demandingness and high responsiveness. These parents are warm and loving but set few limits or expectations for their children. They avoid confrontation and allow their children to regulate their own behavior.

• Characteristics: Few rules, high warmth, lenient discipline, avoidance of confrontation, acceptance of child’s behavior.
• Behavioral Outcomes: Children may be impulsive, lack self-control, have difficulty with authority, and exhibit poor academic performance.
• Potential Drawbacks: Can lead to a lack of respect for rules and boundaries, and difficulty in navigating social situations.
• Example: A parent who allows their child to stay up late, eat junk food, and avoid chores without any consequences.

4. Uninvolved/Neglectful Parenting

This style is characterized by low demandingness and low responsiveness. Uninvolved parents are emotionally detached and provide little guidance or support. They may be preoccupied with their own problems and show little interest in their children’s lives.

• Characteristics: Lack of involvement, emotional detachment, few rules, minimal support, indifference to child’s needs.
• Behavioral Outcomes: Children may exhibit emotional problems, poor academic performance, difficulty forming relationships, and increased risk of substance abuse.
• Potential Drawbacks: Has the most detrimental effects on child development, leading to significant emotional and behavioral issues.
• Example: A parent who provides basic necessities but is otherwise absent from their child’s life, showing little affection or interest in their activities.

Parenting Style	Demandingness	Responsiveness	Typical Outcomes
Authoritative	High	High	Self-reliant, responsible, socially competent
Authoritarian	High	Low	Obedient, anxious, low self-esteem
Permissive	Low	High	Impulsive, lacks self-control, poor academic performance
Uninvolved	Low	Low	Emotional problems, poor academic performance, difficulty forming relationships