By Divija Bhasin
Parenting is a complex activity that requires the ability to perform various functions such as discipline, routine physical care, emotional care and guidance. If not done properly, it can lead to the children not being able to develop in a healthy manner in all aspects of life. Children need a suitable environment to grow optimally. The way parents respond to their children in their growing years determine the way they grow as a person and therefore it is of utmost importance to perform the role of a parent correctly.
The current generation of children is under a lot of pressure with increased competition in life. They not only have to deal with the stress of studies but having a social life is given equal importance and therefore just keeping their phone away is not an option they have. In earlier times, the children would go out with their friends but at home they could be alone and focus on their studies but now, with the technology that exists, it is impossible to not let your personal life mix with your studies. Parents need to understand this dilemma which may be hard for them as they did not have to experience this strange amalgamation of different aspects of life in their childhood.
There are the 4 different types of parenting which are authoritarian, authoritative, uninvolved and overindulgent. Let us now read more about them and how they affect the way children react to stress.
Authoritarian and authoritative parenting styles may have similar names but they are very different in nature. While high expectations are present by both parental styles, authoritarian parents demand complete obedience with statements such as “because I said so“. These parents use harsh punishment to discipline their children and are therefore unresponsive to the needs of the children. There is no option of discussion in this type of relationship. Children of authoritarian parents mostly result in being unhappy, dependent, and insecure and ultimately have a low self-esteem leading to more behavioural problems as well as poor academic and social skills.
Authoritative parents, on the other hand, are warm and empathetic towards the children while at the same time setting proper rules of conduct. They may have set rules and boundaries for the children but they do not appear rigid and encourage the children to have and share their opinions. These parents also allow open discussion and conversation with the children. They are commonly known as the democratic parenting style. Due to their nurturing nature, children of such parents end up being happy and independent leading to good self-esteem. Furthermore, they are less violent and have good social and academic skills. This is the best form of parenting.
The third type of parenting is the uninvolved parenting style. These parents do not set any rules for the children and often neglect them completely. They show indifference to the child and do not have any productive conversations with them due to which their children end up having many emotional and mental issues growing up. Such children are unable to deal with stress and therefore show low performance in schools.
Overindulgent parenting, also known as permissive parenting, is where the parents cannot say no to their children and ultimately fail to set boundaries for them.
As a result, the children face trouble socially and academically as they end up not having any self-control. These parents are too warm and nurturing.
