Parenting and Family Education

Archive for the ‘parenting styles’ Category

Parenting could take different styles. Parents surely prioritize home and family. That is why they could take different measures that are consistent with their own personal approach to dealing with children. There are four major parenting styles that have been identified by experts. Parents could be authoritarian, authoritative, indulgent, and uninvolved. Read on to know which type are you and which type you think would suit the personalities of yourself and your children.

The authoritarian parents are similar to army commanders. In this regard, they issue commands as well as orders to their kids. They expect their children to carryout and perform their commands without any question. Authoritarian parents do not welcome feedback and complaints from children. Thus, they tend to set defined rules within a structured environment. Children of authoritarian parents could cite unhappy nature in them. As a result, boys usually show hostile behavior when confronted by frustration and girls tend to easily give up during difficult situations. However, such boys and girls usually perform better in academics, perhaps due to their very disciplined upbringing.

The authoritative parents are demanding and responsive. While they expect their kids to behave in their desired manner, they do not usually impose authority and they welcome questioning and complaints. Such parents show a combination of ability to respond to feedback and assertiveness. The children of these parents are usually lively, happier, and more confident. Studies have shown that children of authoritative parents have better emotional control. They are also more adept when it comes to their social skills. These parents are usually more open-minded when it comes to outlook towards kids’ behavior.

For their part, indulgent parents are lenient. As such, they allow different behaviors to be exhibited and developed by their children. They usually let kids look after themselves. These parents avoid confrontation wit their children as much as possible. Indulgent parents are often described as democratic and non-directive. Democratic parents are more aware in showing commitment to engage with kids. Non-directive ones parent by default (they take no action when parenting their kids).

Lastly, uninvolved parenting makes parents uninvolved. They seem to be disinterested. They are neither responsive nor demanding. They could not be considered authoritarian, authoritative, or indulgent. This way, they do not require or like any feedback from their children. Being uninvolved as a parent could pose many problems. Such parents often neglect their own kids. They are also usually described by the society as irresponsible. It does not mean that they do not love or care for their children. It could only be that they are too occupied with their careers.

Which parent type are you? Do you want to be a specific parent type? You could be. You should assess your parenting style as a whole. If you think you are not being effective as one, do not hesitate to change approaches. It is very important that you adjust for your child or children’s personalities. You must learn from the lessons and the mistakes of your own parents, back when you were still a child.

Good mothers and fathers come in many styles. Each one of us has different strengths, interests, and values that make us great parent. Donâ??t let yourself become discouraged or disappointed when others â??give you adviceâ?? that doesnâ??t seem to mesh with who you are. Maybe youâ??re not a roll around on the floor kind of parent with your child.  Maybe youâ??ve decided to hang back and let your little one explore. Thatâ??s great! As long as it works for you and your child, nobody should be able to convince you that your method is incorrect or wrong. Once you recognize and embrace your own personal parenting style, you can stop trying to live up to everyone else’s expectations and get on with the business of enjoying being a parent.

Itâ??s important to keep in mind too, that these well-meaning advice givers donâ??t know your child as well as you.  They arenâ??t there with your child night and day, watching him grow, learn, explore, play, eat, and sleep.  Only you know whatâ??s best for your child, and you know what works best in your household and for your lifestyle.  As with anything, figuring things out along the way will involve trial and error.Â

So when you receive yet another unsolicited piece of advice regarding your childâ??s napping or nighttime sleeping habits, keep both your and your childâ??s personal style in mind.  Youâ??ve done the legwork, youâ??ve experimented, and youâ??ve learned together what works and what doesnâ??t work.  The cues should come from your instincts regarding your child and from your child directly.  Thereâ??s no such thing as a hard-and-fast rule for sleep habits among children other than it is needed! As your child grows, his cues may change, but as long as you stay in tune with him, his sleep habits shouldnâ??t have to suffer as a result. And neither should yours.

As good mothers and fathers, we all differ in many ways. We all have various interests, strengths and values which make us good parents. Advice from other parents should be taken with “a pinch of salt”, as they may not live up to your expectations; don’t be disappointed or discouraged if others try to put you right. You may not be one for getting down to child’s level by rolling around on the floor with your child; you prefer to let your child explore and find things out on their own, and that’s your prerogative. Whatever suits you and your child is a good enough method, and no one should be able to tell you otherwise! Recognise your own personal parenting style and embrace it, as it is your business how you go about things as a parent; it’s your expectations that matter to help you enjoy parenting.

Keep in mind that others may give you advice and mean well, but at the end of the day, you know your child better. You see how your child is day and night, as he eats, sleeps, grow, explores, learns and plays. You will soon know what works best for your child, the lifestyle that you have and what is better all round for your household. It all involves trial and error, just like anything else in life that is new.

People will always offer the advice on what you should do, especially regarding your child’s napping and their sleeping habits at bedtime, so remember that yours and your child’s personal style matters the most. You have already covered what works best for you and your child, and what doesn’t so you should continue with that pattern. Sleep habits vary from one child to another, so there are no rules to follow except, knowing that your child needs their sleep! Your child’s sleeping pattern will change as he gets older, so you can adapt to suit him. By keeping in tune with your child, their sleeping habits shouldn’t become a problem, or for you!