Parenting is harder than it looks!

      Information Source: http://www.webmd.com

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PARENTING

 The Bribing Parent

Have you ever had an important phone call that you needed to make but your children would not behave? A typical response to this would be to bribe your kids. If they behave while you are on the phone you will buy them each a toy. This style of parenting is typically used when the parent is pre-occupied or has things that need to be done and they need help but don't have it at the moment.

The Inconsistent Parent

"Teenagers are experts in "dividing and conquering" their parents. The "inconsistent parent" allows this to happen by siding at one time with their co-parent and at other times with their child. The result is inconsistent rules and a message to the teen that she can get her way if she tries hard enough. " Parents who are not consistent with their discipline and other actions tend to make it harder for themselves. The children will find it easier to persuade and get their way. (http://www.turnaboutranch.com)

The Best Friend Parent

When beginning the journey into parenthood, parents know that there will be a need for boundaries and rules to be set. Some parents give in to a child pushing the boundaries of the rules. The parents want to preserve their friendship with their child so instead of staying firm and enforcing the rules they give in and let the child run all over them.  Parents are meant to be parents first and friends second. A child will have plenty of friends but only one set of parents to protect and guide them.

The Enabler Parent

This type of parent does not want to see their child struggle or suffer so they go through extreme lengths to help them. For example: A teenager forgot to do their project until the night before it is due and the parent doesn’t want them to stay up all night or do poorly on it so they stay up all night and do most of the work for their child. It is better for them to learn from their mistakes. That is how parents learned when they were younger. A parent should be there for support and not to make life super easy for their child.

Authoritative Parenting versus Permissive Parenting

Authoritative Parenting

“An authoritative parenting style represents that most closely aligned with consistent parenting philosophy. By encouraging the growth of strong inner discipline and through treating children with respect, this parenting style also enhances the parents own emotional growth and development. It is important to distinguish between an authoritative and an authoritarian parenting style.” ~ http://www.consistent-parenting-advice.com/authoritative-parenting-style.html

Authoritative means to be dependable, reliable and convincing.

Authoritarian means to be strict, controlling and dictatorial.

There is open communication, lots of encouragement, close relationships that are nurturing, and high levels of autonomy is achieved for the child.

“Authoritative parenting, which balances clear, high parental demands with emotional responsiveness and recognition of child autonomy, is one of the most consistent family predictors of competence from early childhood through adolescence.” ~http://www.consistent-parenting-advice.com/authoritative-parenting-style.html

Permissive Parenting

“The inconsistency of the permissive parenting style often leaves devoted parents grieving for their parenting mistakes. Permissive parents have the belief that really showing their child love and feeling their love, in return, is their ultimate goal in parenting. They do love their children and are highly bonded to them. But their relationship is one of equals rather than as parents to children.” ~http://www.consistent-parenting-advice.com/authoritative-parenting-style.html

Permissive means to be lenient, liberal, lax and hands-off.

The parent is responsive, undemanding, a tolerant, accepting attitude toward the child's wants and impulses, and have a hard time saying no.

“Parenting style has been found to predict child well-being in the areas of social competence, academic performance, psychosocial development, and behavior problems. Both parental responsiveness and parental demandingness are important components of good parenting.” ~http://www.consistent  -parenting-advice.com/authoritative-parenting-style.html