Parenting Styles The way we raise our children directly influences who they will become.

Authoritarian/Brick Wall Many limits and rules Parents’ make all of the rules without any input from children Punishment Little affection and praise Parents expect total obedience and misbehavior is not tolerated Parent’s expect children to have the same beliefs “Do as I say not do as I do” Conformity Authoritarian parents were often raised in strict homes

Authoritarian Style Children from authoritarian homes often rebel from their controlling parents. Children fear their parents and are afraid to turn to them for advice. In later years, children from authoritarian homes are plagued with guilt, depression, or anger.

Children from Authoritarian families are often Obedient Distrustful Discontented Withdrawn Unhappy Angry Not High Achievers Rebellious

Permissive/Jellyfish Opposite of Authoritarian. Too few limits Children get to make their own choices. Permissive parented children have little respect for their parents and authority figures.

The Permissive Parent Continued The permissive parent is unstructured and has few routines. Parents have few expectation of the children. Permissive parents generally ignore misbehaviors and rarely punish or correct their children. Children run the permissive family. On the positive side, permissive parents are generally warm and nurturing.

Children from Permissive Families are Often Aggressive Lack self-control Lack self-reliance Most unhappy Anxious Lack motivation Lack self-esteem

Democratic/Backbone Style Mid point between Authoritative and Permissive (Best of both styles) Parents set limits and enforce rules. Parents take into consideration child’s requests, needs, and questions.

Democratic/Backbone Style Continued Children’s wants are considered when making family decisions. Respect children’s unique personalities, and support their interests. Parents are loving, consistent, high expectations. Parents have reasonable expectations and realistic standards.

Children from Democratic/Backbone families are…. Democratic/Backbone children’s parents have high expectations for them and give them support to meet those goals. This type of parent is the most active and hands on parent. Our ideal parent. Happy Self-reliant Self-controlled Sharing and friendly Cooperative High achieving More likely to participate in school activities

Remember! The most important thing to remember about parenting is to be a good role model. Patience is important! We all make mistakes. Listen to your kids and model good problem solving strategies. Be loving, fair, and consistent. Don’t threaten, come up with appropriate consequences. The parent is in charge because they have the most experience. Have fun with your child! Experiences not things are what they will remember all of their lives.