Parenting is never a one size fits all approach. And there are many different parenting styles out there. Each family is different and we all seem to find a way that works best for us and our children. To find out where you fit into the spectrum, check out our list of 11 different parenting styles and see which one sounds like your family.
11 Parenting Styles Every Parent Should Know About
Being a parent is one of those things that would be made easier with a handbook. But sadly it’s not that easy. We all have our own ways of dealing with things, showing consequences, and making the rules for our children. And as a result, there are many different parenting styles to observe.
According to the textbooks, there’s really only four main styles of parenting. But we’ve uncovered much more than that. The invention of the internet has been instrumental in showing us how other people parent their kids. And as time goes on we learn more and more about how every family differs. Each style comes with its own goals and behaviors, so to see where you fit in and what style most closely suits you. Have a read through our list of 11 parenting styles.
#1: Positive Parenting Styles
When compared to some of the other styles of parenting, positive parenting is a rather new approach. The term was coined by psychologist Martin Seligman in 1998 and it focuses on positive psychology or happiness psychology.
The goal of these parents is to be a positive force and focus on the good points rather than dwelling on the bad. All done with unconditional support. They want their children to find their inner strengths, personal goals, and own voice. And they’ll help them in any way they can.
This style of parenting doesn’t like to dwell on the past and tries to actively look forward. The purpose of it is to help your children grow and move forward rather than focusing on what might have gone wrong in the past.
Here’s a Video on Advice for Parents: Positive Parenting Style | Parents
#2: Attachment Parenting Styles
Attachment parenting is often confused for a style of parenting that creates dependency issues in children. As its founder, Dr. Sears believes that meeting the needs of children actually helps them to become independent. These parents like to be attentive to their children and often do so with a close bond.
The main aim of these parents is to build a psychology, emotional, and physical bond with their children which they begin in infancy. Acts like breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and cuddling to sleep might all be exhibited by someone who prefers attachment parenting.
It’s the belief of these parents that having their emotional and physical needs met will mean children grown up to feel supported and confident in everything they do. They also want to be able to tune into their children’s needs and hope to stay this in tune even as they grow into adults.
Here’s a Video on Parenting Style Attachment Parenting | Parents
#3: Unconditional Parenting Styles
This style of parenting means that the caregivers allow their child to do as they wish. Without showing them any more or less love as a response to their actions. When a child acts out, they simply let them do it. And when they do something good, they aren’t praised. The goal of this is to allow your child to develop naturally without being manipulated by parental love or punishment.
Unconditional positive regard was a phrase coined by therapist Carl Rogers. Rogers believed that in order for a child to reach full spiritual growth. They must be able to decide things for themselves without the influence of a parent. This will develop a child with good self-worth who believes they’re loved for who they are and not what actions they did which were deemed ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
Here’s a Video on LoveParenting: The Case Against Praising Your Child (Unconditional Parenting)
#4: Spiritual Parenting Styles
The notion of spiritual parenting might sound a little airy-fairy. But it’s actually not that different from some other styles. Spiritual parenting, also sometimes referred to as holistic parenting. Means showing your child how you want them to act and being the role model for them, rather than simply telling them what to do.
This type of parenting means you are giving your children space to explore and figure out who they are, rather than having them try to fit a certain mold. The goal of spiritual parenting is to raise children who are aware of themselves and their surroundings, by showing them as parents how to do so.
Here’s a Video on Spiritual Parenting Curriculum – Michelle Anthony
#5: Free-Range/Slow Parenting Styles
The free-range parent movement is about allowing your child to develop naturally and not seeing life as something with an ending to meet, but rather a long journey. Slow parenting might sound as if things move at a snail’s pace. But they actually intend for it to move naturally with life
Parents who prefer this style will often prefer their children to play outside, have less screen time than others, and do things that will spark their learning and imagination. They want to supervise their children and make sure no serious harm comes to them, but for the most part, they’re free to learn and explore as they wish.
Here’s a Video on My Parenting Style: Free-Range Parenting
#6: Permissive Parenting Styles
This is another term for indulgent parenting, and these are the types of parents that allow their kids to make the rules. These parents prefer not to place rules and boundaries on their children, in the hopes that they will be able to figure things out for themselves and learn the way of the world.
This style is regularly frowned upon as it can create children with no regard for the rules or those who might always expect to get what they want. A permissive parent is an advocate of free thinking and there is usually no family hierarchy where parents make the rules and children obey them.
Here’s a Video on Permissive Parenting? — Dr. Phil
#7: Authoritarian Parenting Styles
Parenting experts often link this style of parenting to one with severe consequences. It refers to a style of parenting where the caregiver has strict control over behavior but does not share any warmth of love with their children. There’s an emphasis on controlling emotions within the home, even though the parent is often prone to outburst of anger.
Authoritarian parenting looks at the family in a clear hierarchy with the needs and emotions of the children being well below the adults. Rules must always be followed and there is rarely discussion among the whole family.
Here’s a Video on Parenting Style Authoritarian Parenting | Parents
#8: Authoritative Parenting Styles
This is a fairly common style of parenting that means there a high control of rules from parents but also a high level of warmth. Emotions are shared among family members. and children are encouraged to play independently and share their thoughts. But there are certain rules and boundaries in place that must be adhered to. Parents are warm and attentive but also in charge of the household and will always have the final say.
Here’s a Video on WHAT IS AUTHORITATIVE PARENTING?
#9: Neglectful Parenting Styles
Neglectful parenting occurs when the caregiver puts more emphasis on themselves rather than their children. These parents don’t fully grasp the complexity of what children need, or perhaps don’t care. Sometimes, the child’s emotional needs are being met but not physical, or vice versa.
In more serious cases, they might have neither emotional or physical needs being met. And this can turn into a form of toxic parenting. Children are often left to their own devices and will take care of their own needs as well as the needs of other siblings or family members.
Here’s a Video on Emotionally Neglectful Parents
#10: Helicopter Parenting Styles
This is a term that is hugely popular online and it refers to a parent who acts like a helicopter, hovering around their child. Often a helicopter parent will be acting on fear and won’t feel comfortable letting their child have any independence or try new things. Whether it’s on the playground or when they go off to college, the helicopter parent will remain close by and constantly check in or give advice.
Helicopter parenting can become toxic if it gets out of hand. And it can lead to children who are unable to make decisions for themselves. These parents have overprotective which intends to help their kids but only ends up hindering them throughout life.
Here’s a Video on Helicopter Parenting | Effects of Helicopter Parenting
#11: Narcissistic Parenting Styles
This is the classic style of parent that we see in many movies. Portrayed by a mom or dad who wants their kid to follow the same path they did in high school. A Narcissistic parent will be mainly focused on their own needs and will put this before their child’s.
These parents may be pushy or demanding and not allow their children to have any of their own goals or activities. They often use a variety of control mechanisms in order to get their kids to comply, including threats and manipulation.
Here’s a Video on Narcissistic Parenting Style-Gaslighting The Child
