Different Parenting Styles – What Works Best for You?

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Not all parents raise their children the same way. Some leave their children to run free and provide a looser framework with minimum discipline, whereas others put in place stricter boundaries. Neither of these parenting styles is necessarily wrong or right. What’s important is finding a parenting style that works best for your family.

In this article, we will look at some of the most popular parenting styles and discuss whether they work or not.

Authoritarian Parenting

An authoritarian parent lives for strict rules, has high expectations, and there is little room for negotiation. While being an authoritative parent may create discipline and structure, it can also lead to childhood rebellion and low self-esteem. This type of parenting was common in generations past, where children were seen and not heard. It’s less common these days.

Permissive Parenting

Permissive parenting is very relaxed. Permissive parents don’t like rules and boundaries. They like to let their children do whatever feels ‘right’ for them. These parents tend to be nurturing and accepting but may struggle with setting limits. Children raised by permissive parents may have difficulty with self-control and may exhibit entitlement behaviours. It’s not recommended a foster carer adopts this style of parenting with foster children, as children in the care system benefit from boundaries.

Authoritative Parenting

Authoritative parenting strikes a balance between setting clear expectations and providing warmth and support. If you are trying for an authoritative parenting style, you likely encourage open communication, mutual respect, and strive for positive reinforcement.

This type of parenting is a good balance for children, as it encourages them to communicate with parents and foster carers while reinforcing good behaviour. Children who have authoritative parents and foster carers tend to be self-reliant, socially competent and have high self-esteem.

While some discipline and rules will be needed, this type of parenting style is not rigid like authoritarian parenting. Speak to your foster agency, such as thefca.co.uk, if you need advice on caring for a foster child who needs firm boundaries.

Uninvolved Parenting

Sadly, some parents veer toward an uninvolved style of parenting characterised by neglectful behaviour and a lack of emotional involvement. Parents like this may struggle to provide for their child’s basic needs and fail to offer any emotional support, which can lead to behavioural problems, attachment issues, and poor academic performance in children. It can also result in the child being placed in foster care.

Choosing a Parenting Style

Choosing a parenting style that works best for your family requires self-reflection, open-mindedness, and flexibility. Think about how you were raised and whether it was a healthy environment. You may wish to avoid the mistakes your parents made, but don’t go too far in the opposite direction.

Remember that each child is unique in their temperament and needs. You will have to adapt your parenting style to their personality, as well as to their changing needs as they grow.

Join parenting groups and access support resources provided by your foster agency. Talking to other parents and foster carers can provide valuable insights and support.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. What works for one family may not work for another. The key is finding a balance. Ultimately, the goal is to raise happy, confident, and resilient children.