Parenting styles are influential to a child’s development as they can seriously affect their emotional, social, and cognitive growth. Each parenting style has their own unique approach and beliefs on how to raise children. Hence, parenting styles can shape the way children perceive themselves and their environment. In this post, we will be featuring 4 popular parenting styles, exploring on parents’ behavior and impact on child development. We will also discuss the bad parenting styles to avoid. Plus, we would like to recommend some other resources for parents to learn more about parenting.
Parenting Styles and Their Impact on Child Development
1. Dolphin Parents
Ever heard about the dolphin parenting style? It is known as an authoritative parenting style that balances a child’s independence and discipline. Baumrind in 1991 studied that, “Authoritative parents are keen to foster in their children a sense of self-reliance, self-confidence, and competence. They nurture their child to face the world, as well as a sense of responsibility to others.” Dolphin parents often raised children who possess the abilities of being competent, confident, and responsible.
2. Koala Parents
Are you wondering what the koala parenting style is? It is a permissive parenting style that focuses on creating a supportive environment for the child. Koala parents tend to be highly responsive and affectionate. Unfortunately, they often fail to set clear boundaries and expectations for their children. Thus, children may struggle with self-discipline and may have difficulties to adapt rules outside of their home environment.
3. Elephant Parents
The elephant parenting style is a protective parenting style that affirm on educating discipline, routine, and boundaries. Elephant parents believe that their key role is to protect and guide their children. They tend to be highly involved in their children’s lives. Elephant parents emphasize on ensuring a child’s safety and well-being. However, children raised with this parents may struggle with decision-making and taking initiative by their own.
4. Jellyfish Parents
The jellyfish parenting style is an uncommitted and neglectful parenting style. Jellyfish parents provide to minimal emotional support, attention, or guidance to their children, often leaving them to look after themselves. Children raised with jellyfish parenting styles may struggle with low self–esteem, attachment issues, and difficulty building relationships.
Best Parenting Style
Most importantly, parents should note that there is no one-size-fits-all parenting style, and parents are free to choose the style that best suits their child’s character and personality. However, studies have proved that well-adjusted children mostly come from the authoritative parenting style. Hence, this style is defined by setting a clear boundaries and rules while also being supportive and responsive to the child’s needs.
Avoiding The Bad Parenting Styles:
The bad parenting styles include helicopter parenting, rescue parenting, and unresponsive, uninvolved parenting. Helicopter parents refers to being overly involved in a child’s life, making decisions for the child, and micromanaging their move. Rescue parenting often preventing children from any challenges or difficulties, which can hinder their development towards resilience and coping skills. Thus, children grew up with rescue parents will seeking for validation and emotional support they need the most.
The Best Resources for Learning About Parenting and kids Development
Parenting is a challenging and continuous journey, and understanding the different parenting approach and their effect on child development is crucial for every parent. Luckily, these days parents are accessible to unlimited resources on parenting to help parents who keen to learn more. So the choice is yours, whether you prefer to read books, listen to podcasts, or explore academic research, there is a wealth of knowledge available.
- If you love to read, the book “Parenting Styles and Child Development” by Gwen Dewar is an excellent choice. This book provides an in-depth exploration of parenting and child development, with practical advice for parents on how to implement different styles in their own parenting.
- If you prefer hearing podcast, “The Science of Parenting” is a great option. This podcast covers wide range of topics related to child development and parenting, including parenting styles, discipline, and child psychology. The hosts, a child psychologist and a family therapist, provide practical tips and advice for parents with a fact-based research.
To wrap up, parenting styles play a very big part in shaping a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. Understanding the different styles and their effects can help parents make a firm decisions about how to raise their children. Lastly, by utilizing the best resources available parents can gain valuable and practical advice for their parenting journey.
