Parenting styles

Baumrind found that children had some characteristics in common depending on the parenting style applied. For example, children who were raised by authoritarian parents tended to have low self-esteem, were unhappy, insecure and unfriendly. Children who were raised by democratic parents were competent, happy and self-sufficient. Children who were raised by permissive parents were dependent, immature, lacked self-control, and had low academic performance. Lastly, children who had negligent parents had issues with attachment, problems with other children, and few friends.

Baumrind model on raising styles helps parents understand more about parenting styles, and why some of these are more effective than others. We know children need discipline, but we also know that affection is key for successful human development. According to the effects we reviewed, the ideal parenting style is the democratic. Parents should set limits, but also be affectionate and responsive to their child’s needs.