Authoritative Parenting and Children’s Behavior: Is it the Best Way to Parent?

Notas do Editor

1. With authoritarian, indulgent and neglectful parenting styles, children may experience emotions including fear, anger, isolation, impatience, and indecisiveness among others (Santrock, 2008b, p. 288). Authoritarian parenting usually places strict demands on their children without allowing for flexibility, “use punishment to control behavior” and are less sensitive to their child’s feelings (Leal, 2001, p. 9). Authoritative parenting gives children a choice in their options and allows for flexibility (Santrock, 2008b, p. 288).
2. Authoritative parenting style does not alienate, nor hover over their children (Santrock, 2008b, p. 288). There are rules with authoritative parenting, but there is also room for flexibility (Santrock, 2008b, p. 288). With this type of parenting style, children may also gain a better sense of responsibility along with having the choice to make their own decisions within a boundary line (Santrock, 2008b, p. 288).
3. Even with authoritarian parenting style as the preferred parenting style for certain ethnic groups, authoritative parenting style seems to be the most desired style in Western culture, even though this is not always the reality.
4. In conclusion, the topic of authoritative parenting style versus neglective, indulgent or authoritarian as being the “best” parenting style and the studies being performed on this topic coincide with my original research hypothesis which stated, “Children tend to become well-balanced adults when they are raised with authoritative parenting style”. Despite a few exceptions, including cultural background and values, the majority of cultures tend to prefer authoritative parenting style.